Cthulhu Macula

Definition

Cthulhu Macula is a dark, elliptical feature on the surface of Pluto's largest moon, Charon. It is one of the most prominent and intriguing geological formations observed on this distant celestial body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cthulhu Macula is a dark, elliptical feature located on the northern hemisphere of Charon, Pluto's largest moon.
2. The feature is believed to be the result of a massive impact event that occurred early in Charon's history, which may have exposed subsurface materials.
3. The name 'Cthulhu Macula' is a reference to the fictional cosmic entity 'Cthulhu' from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, reflecting the feature's dark and ominous appearance.
4. Cthulhu Macula is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) in diameter, making it one of the largest geological features observed on Charon.
5. The formation of Cthulhu Macula is thought to have played a significant role in the geological and thermal evolution of Charon, potentially exposing subsurface materials and influencing the moon's overall appearance.

Review Questions

• Describe the physical characteristics of Cthulhu Macula and its location on Charon's surface.
  • Cthulhu Macula is a dark, elliptical feature located on the northern hemisphere of Charon, Pluto's largest moon. It is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) in diameter, making it one of the largest geological formations observed on Charon's surface. The feature's dark and ominous appearance is believed to be the result of a massive impact event that occurred early in Charon's history, potentially exposing subsurface materials.
• Explain how the formation of Cthulhu Macula may have influenced the geological and thermal evolution of Charon.
  • The formation of Cthulhu Macula is thought to have played a significant role in the geological and thermal evolution of Charon. The massive impact event that created the feature may have exposed subsurface materials, potentially altering the moon's overall appearance and influencing its subsequent geological and thermal processes. This could have led to the development of other unique geological features on Charon's surface and contributed to the understanding of the moon's complex history and formation.
• Analyze the significance of the name 'Cthulhu Macula' and how it reflects the feature's characteristics and the broader context of Pluto and Charon's exploration.
  • The name 'Cthulhu Macula' is a reference to the fictional cosmic entity 'Cthulhu' from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, reflecting the feature's dark and ominous appearance. This naming choice underscores the mysterious and enigmatic nature of Charon's surface features, which continue to captivate and intrigue astronomers and the general public alike. The Cthulhu Macula, along with other intriguing geological formations on Pluto and Charon, has sparked ongoing scientific investigations and a deeper understanding of the complex history and evolution of these distant dwarf planets and their moons within the Kuiper Belt.

Related terms

Charon: Charon is the largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto, with a diameter of approximately 1,212 kilometers (754 miles). It is a tidally locked satellite, meaning the same side of Charon always faces Pluto.

Pluto: Pluto is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune. It is the largest and most massive known dwarf planet in the Solar System.

Kuiper Belt: The Kuiper Belt is a region of the Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune, extending from approximately 30 to 50 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. It is home to numerous dwarf planets, including Pluto, as well as other small icy bodies.