The mountains on Pluto are made of frozen water, which at Pluto temperatures, is as hard as rock. Pluto also has a smooth, round basin which could be thought of as a frozen sea. What material is in the basin (nicknamed Sputnik) likely to be made of?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Planetary rings are made up of small particles and debris. Nitrogen, carbon compounds, and helium are not typically found in large enough quantities in a planetary ring to be a viable answer. While water is a possibility, it is more likely that the smooth, round basin is made of ice, which leaves carbon dioxide (dry ice) as the best answer for the material in the basin.

The Mountains on Pluto Are Made of Frozen Water, Which