Pluto Might Have a Liquid Water Ocean! SciShow News

The video discusses the hypothesis that Pluto may have an underground ocean, potentially insulated by a layer of gas hydrates. This theory emerged from data collected by the New Horizons probe. The video also covers New Horizons' flyby of MU69, revealing its unique shape and surface features. These findings contribute to our understanding of distant celestial bodies and their potential to support liquid water.

What was the main challenge scientists faced in confirming the presence of an ocean on Pluto?

• The lack of advanced technology to study Pluto

• The extreme cold temperatures on Pluto

• The distance of Pluto from the Sun

• The absence of any visible water on Pluto's surface

What did scientists hypothesize about the surface features of Pluto?

• They are shaped by strong winds

• They are caused by volcanic eruptions

• They are formed by meteor impacts

• They are influenced by an underground ocean

What is the role of gas hydrates in Pluto's ocean hypothesis?

• They increase the temperature of Pluto's surface

• They act as a source of energy for Pluto

• They insulate the ocean, preventing it from freezing

• They create new surface features on Pluto

What unique feature does MU 69 have that intrigued scientists?

• It is covered in liquid water

• It has a ring system like Saturn

• It is shaped like a contact binary

• It has active volcanoes

How do scientists believe the two lobes of MU 69 formed?

• They were carved by flowing water

• They were shaped by strong winds

• They formed separately and collided gently

• They were created by volcanic activity

What color is MU 69, and why is it significant?

• Green, due to vegetation

• Yellow, because of sulfur deposits

• Red, similar to many Kuiper Belt objects

• Blue, indicating water presence

What is the significance of studying distant bodies like Pluto and MU 69?

• To map the entire Kuiper Belt

• To find new planets for human habitation

• To understand the formation of the solar system

• To discover new sources of minerals