Chiron, a centaur orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune, has long been a subject of fascination for astronomers. This unique object, discovered in 1977, exhibits characteristics of both asteroids and comets. Recent research using NASA’s powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has shed new light on Chiron’s surface chemistry and activity.
Scientists from the University of Central Florida and the University of Oviedo have made groundbreaking discoveries about Chiron’s dual nature. The team, led by Dr. Noemà Pinilla-Alonso, has observed both the surface and coma of Chiron, revealing unprecedented insights into its composition and behavior.
Chiron’s surface contains both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice, while its coma contains these same materials in gas form, along with methane. This unique chemical makeup marks the first detection of such diversity in a centaur. Dr. Pinilla-Alonso emphasizes that centaurs act as “time capsules,” preserving information about the solar system’s formation.
The JWST’s advanced capabilities allowed researchers to study Chiron even at its farthest point from the Sun, providing critical insights into its surface chemistry and activity. The team’s findings suggest that Chiron’s dual nature makes it invaluable for studying processes in both comets and asteroids.
Further research is planned, with the team aiming to better understand how Chiron’s unique features respond to changes in sunlight and temperature. This could unlock more secrets about the solar system’s formation and evolution over billions of years.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/asteroid-or-comet-scientists-find-ancient-ice-giant-in-our-solar-system/articleshow/116633037.cms