Program: GN-2012B-Q-2

Pluto's eccentric orbit results in significant seasonal change in its thin atmosphere. As Pluto recedes from the Sun (since 1989), we have been monitoring its atmospheric state while waiting for the eventual collapse. We request time to observe one occultation, plus additional time to explore whether occultation candidates are members of multiple star systems, which would change the predicted shadow path. The latter goal is particularly important for observations that we have proposed to be carried out on SOFIA.