A meta-analysis of coordinate systems and bibliography of their use on Pluto from Charon’s discovery to the present day

This paper aims to alleviate the confusion between many different ways of defining latitude and longitude on Pluto, as well as to help prevent future Pluto papers from drawing false conclusion due to problems with coordinates. In its 2009 meeting report, the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Cartographic Coordinates and Rotational Elements redefined Pluto coordinates to follow a right-handed system (Archinal, B.A., et al. [2011a]. Celest. Mech. Dynam. Astron. 109, 101–135; Archinal, B.A., et al. [2011b]. Celest. Mech. Dynam. Astron. 110, 401–403). However, before this system was redefined, both the previous system (defining the north pole to be north of the invariable plane), and the “new” system (the right-hand rule system) were commonly used. A summary of major papers on Pluto and the system each paper used is given. Several inconsistencies have been found in the literature. The vast majority of papers and most maps use the right-hand rule, which is now the IAU system and the system recommended here for future papers.