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    Calculating the Radius for Pluto

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    Spectroscopic observations suggest that Pluto is covered with icy frost and thus has a high albedo (0.5). The brightness of Pluto at opposition (38 AU from the Earth) is 2 x 10^-17 as bright as the Sun (1 AU from the Earth). From these two observations, calculate a radius of Pluto.

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    https://brainmass.com/physics/luminosity/calculating-radius-pluto-9424

    Solution Preview

    Let, radius of the Pluto is R km.
    Radius of sun is 7*10^5 km
    Now,
    brightness of the Pluto = brightness of the Sun * 2*10^(-17)
    =>brightness of the Pluto = L_pluto/(4pi*38^2 ...

    Solution Summary

    This solution assists in calculating the radius of Pluto.

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