A team of scientists from the University of Central Florida’s Florida Space Institute has made a groundbreaking discovery about the mysterious object Chiron, orbiting the Sun every 50 years. Located between Jupiter and Neptune, Chiron exhibits characteristics of both asteroids and comets.
Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed water ice, carbon dioxide, and methane gases on its surface, as well as ethane and propane in its coma. This unique combination marks the first time such ices have been observed on a centaur, making Chiron stand out among similar celestial objects.
According to Associate Scientist Noemi Pinilla-Alonso, these findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the primordial conditions of our solar system. The study suggests that the gases detected are likely sourced from areas receiving significant solar heating, indicating complex chemical processes at work.
Chiron’s dynamic behavior, oscillating between comet-like activity and asteroid-like stability, raises questions about its composition and evolution over time. Researchers plan to conduct further studies as Chiron approaches Earth in the coming years, aiming to gain deeper insights into its ice reservoirs and chemical properties.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/mysterious-object-found-orbiting-the-sun-once-every-50-years-james-webb-telescope-2660227-2025-01-06