Can You See Pluto’s Moon Charon with an Amateur Telescope?

If you have a telescope with a large enough aperture, good dark skies, and Pluto is high in the sky, photographically it might be possible. However, catching a glimpse of Charon alongside Pluto would require that Charon is at its greatest elongation, the point where it is farthest from Pluto in the sky.

History and Challenges of Observing Pluto and Charon

Pluto, the dwarf planet, and its largest moon, Charon, were first discovered by Clyde Tombaugh using a 24-inch refracting telescope at the Lowell Observatory in 1930. This remarkable discovery took place over several decades, with initial images found as far back as 1915. The process of confirming and studying Charon through amateur telescopes has been both challenging and intriguing.

Amateur Successes: Observing Pluto and Charon

Despite the difficulties, in 2008, amateurs Daniele Gasparri and Andonello Medugno successfully captured detailed images of Pluto and Charon using a 14-inch telescope. Their remarkable results have been documented on their website, showcasing the power of amateur astronomy when combined with advanced technology.

These images demonstrate the potential for amateur astronomers to achieve significant results, provided they have the right equipment and a clear, dark sky. The success of these amateur astronomers is a testament to the ongoing innovation and passion in the field of observational astronomy.

Visual Observations and Challenges

Is it possible to see Pluto and Charon visually in an amateur telescope? While the moon Charon is significantly smaller than Pluto, it is still challenging. Due to the dimness of the object, even a large 11-inch telescope can struggle to discern Charon as a small, faint dot. In my own experience, seeing Pluto itself is already a feat, and adding Charon to the mix is considered nearly impossible.

Photographic Observations

Photographically capturing both Pluto and Charon with an amateur telescope is possible but highly difficult. Despite advances in technology, professional telescopes often find it challenging to isolate and photograph Charon due to its relative dimness and proximity to the much brighter Pluto.

Conclusion

In summary, seeing Pluto and its moon Charon through an amateur telescope is a significant challenge. While advancements in technology have enabled some success stories in amateur astronomy, visually resolving both Pluto and Charon with a backyard telescope is beyond the reach of ordinary conditions.

This makes the efforts and achievements of amateur astronomers like Daniele Gasparri and Andonello Medugno all the more remarkable. Their success is a reminder that with the right equipment and perseverance, what seems impossible can be achieved.