In the images of New Horizons, a large, clear region draws a heart on Pluto. Taking a closer look at its western half, the researchers discover a plain cut into large cells. This frozen ground is not as immobile as it looks.
A study presented in 2016 brings the data closer to the simulation probe: nitrogen ice can circulate there by convection. Warmer material goes up, while other parts go down. The extreme cold does not prevent this surface from renewing itself.
The comparison with a lava lamp helps to understand the mechanism, but it does not describe the matter. There is no red rock melting here. It is solid ice, sufficiently deformable in these conditions to participate in very slow movements.
The cells cover tens of kilometers. The image retains forms from which scientists deduce an activity; it does not film ice in motion.
What we know
Inferred convection of observations and simulations; no red lava or visible movement in seconds.
To go to the source
References accessed October 11, 2026. Linked pages may be in another language.
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