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The atmosphere of Pluto is the layer of gases surrounding the dwarf planet Pluto. It consists mainly of nitrogen, with smaller amounts of methane and carbon monoxide, produced by the sublimation of surface ices. Its surface pressure is about 100,000 times lower than that of Earth's atmosphere, and varies with Pluto's seasons and orbit. The atmosphere contains a multi-layered haze, probably formed from compounds produced when atmospheric gases react under high-energy radiation. Its temperature rises rapidly above the surface before gradually falling at higher altitudes. Pluto's atmosphere was confirmed through a stellar occultation in 1988 and studied at close range by the New Horizons spacecraft during its 2015 flyby. This New Horizons photograph, taken 15 minutes after the spacecraft's closest approach on July 14, 2015, shows more than a dozen layers of haze in Pluto's atmosphere, backlit by the Sun. The surface shows rugged, icy mountains and flat ice plains extending to the horizon. The image was taken from a distance of 11,000 miles (18,000 km) to Pluto; the scene is 780 miles (1,250 km) wide.

Photograph credit: NASA / JHUAPL / SwRI

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