Mapping the variegated surface of Pluto

During the period from 1985 through 1990, Pluto and its satellite Charon un derwent a series of transits, eclipses, and occultations, which are collect ively called "mutual events." The albedo distribution of Pluto's sub-Charon hemisphere can be determined from these events with a spatial resolution t hat surpasses any current direct-imaging schemes. We use an iterative techn ique to determine a map of Pluto's sub-Charon hemisphere with resolutions d own to 200 km in some areas. This map resolves a localized bright feature t hat may be due to condensation around a geyser or in a crater.