The temperature on Pluto can plummet to a frigid -375 to -400 degrees Fahrenheit (-226 to -240 degrees Celsius). This extreme cold is due to Pluto's great distance from the Sun and its thin atmosphere.
Factors Contributing to Pluto's Extreme Cold:
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Distance from the Sun: Pluto is located in the distant reaches of our solar system, far beyond Neptune. This vast distance means that it receives very little sunlight and, consequently, very little heat.
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Thin Atmosphere: Pluto has a thin atmosphere composed primarily of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. This atmosphere is insufficient to trap much heat, contributing to the planet's extremely cold surface temperature.
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Surface Composition: Pluto's surface is composed of various ices, including nitrogen ice, methane ice, and water ice. These ices have low thermal inertia, meaning they don't retain heat well.
Other Relevant Information:
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Pluto's Mountains: Despite the extreme cold, Pluto has mountains that are 6,500 to 9,800 feet (2 to 3 kilometers) in height. These mountains are primarily made of water ice, sometimes coated with frozen gases like methane. Water ice is strong enough to form these mountainous structures even at Pluto's low temperatures.
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Temperature Variations: Pluto's temperature can vary slightly depending on the location and the time of year, but it generally remains within the range of -375 to -400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summary, Pluto's extreme distance from the Sun and its thin atmosphere result in surface temperatures that are among the coldest in our solar system, ranging from -375 to -400 degrees Fahrenheit.
