Nix (moon)

Nix is a small moon of Pluto, orbiting between the larger moons Styx and Hydra. It was discovered, along with Hydra, on June 15, 2005, by the Pluto Companion Search Team using the Hubble Space Telescope. Its discovery images were taken on May 15, 2005. The moon was initially designated S/2005 P 2.

Nix is irregularly shaped, with dimensions estimated to be approximately 49.8 x 33.2 x 31.1 kilometers. Its surface is relatively bright, although not as bright as Pluto's moon Charon. Spectroscopic observations suggest that Nix's surface is primarily composed of water ice.

Nix's orbit is nearly circular and lies in the same plane as Pluto's other moons. It orbits Pluto at a distance of roughly 48,700 kilometers and has an orbital period of about 24.9 days. Like other small moons of Pluto, Nix exhibits chaotic rotation, meaning its rotation rate and axial tilt vary unpredictably over time due to the gravitational influences of Pluto and Charon.

The name "Nix" comes from Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night. The name was chosen to be similar to Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, and to honor the New Horizons mission, which was en route to Pluto at the time. The initial "N" was also chosen to honor the mission itself.