NASA Animation Demonstrates the Unusual Ways the Moons of Pluto Spin in Their Orbits

NASA has released an animation by astronomer Mark Showalter that demonstrates the unusual ways the moons of Pluto spin in their orbits.

Most inner moons in the solar system keep one face pointed toward their central planet; this animation shows that certainly isn’t the case with the small moons of Pluto, which behave like spinning tops. Pluto is shown at center with, in order, from smaller to wider orbit: Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, Hydra.