# @gravitonomy on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc3D8CFPIRY
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69950140-gravitonomy-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8ea8e95bad.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-04T09:26:25.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Gravitonomy (@gravitonomy) — https://gondola.cc/gravitonomy

## Caption

Pluto's surface contains nitrogen, methane and water ice, which are naturally colorless. But ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and cosmic rays break apart molecules such as methane and nitrogen, triggering reactions that build increasingly complex carbon rich compounds called tholins. These particles settle onto the surface and accumulate, producing the reddish brown regions seen by New Horizons. Some tholins are also formed directly on the surface as radiation alters the frozen material. 

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#science #pluto #space #astronomy #planet

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 532
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- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

science, space, pluto, planet, astronomy

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