Story highlights Scientists say an underground ocean may explain Pluto's orientation with moon

Data gathered from NASA's New Horizon flyby of the planet in June 2015

(CNN) Dwarf planet Pluto may be hiding an icy ocean beneath its surface, according to two new reports published by the scientific journal Nature.

The papers seek to explain why Sputnik Planitia -- a 1,000 kilometer-wide, nitrogen-covered basin in Pluto's heart-shaped northern region -- is permanently aligned with the dwarf planet's moon Charon.

"It's like they're in an arm-to-arm dance, always facing each other," said Richard Binzel, professor of planetary sciences at MIT, who was involved in the New Horizons mission to Pluto.

The first paper, from the University of Arizona, suggests that Sputnik Planitia filled with ice and altered tidal forces between Pluto and Charon.

The second, from the University of California , suggests the reorientation was caused by tidal forces as a result of a "slushy," partially-frozen underground ocean.

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