Pluto’s largest moon Charon
Scientists using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have made an unprecedented discovery on Pluto’s largest moon, Charon. According to a study published in Nature Communications, researchers have detected carbon dioxide on the frozen surface of Charon for the first time. The team, led by the Southwest Research Institute, found traces of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Pluto’s moon, which is about half the size of Pluto. This important discovery builds on previous findings of ice, ammonia and organic compounds on Charon.
Studies show that hydrogen peroxide is formed when ice is broken down by charged particles, releasing hydrogen and oxygen atoms that combine. This highly reactive compound is commonly used in bleaches and disinfectants.
According to the study, the presence of the chemical suggests that Charon’s icy surface is altered by ultraviolet light from the distant Sun and the solar wind. The discovery sheds new light on Charon’s composition and chemical processes, providing valuable insight into the mysterious and icy landscape of the Pluto system.
Know about Pluto’s moon Charon
Charon was first discovered in 1978 by James Christie and Robert Harrington at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
It has been nicknamed “Pluto’s younger twin”. At about 1,200 kilometers in diameter, Charon is half the size of Pluto.
As Charon orbits Pluto, it also revolves around a central point, resembling a double dwarf planet.
This is in contrast to the Earth–Moon system, where the Moon revolves around the Earth without affecting its position.
Pluto’s largest moon is Charon, about half the size of Pluto.
Pluto has five moons – Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, Styx and Charon.
Charon and Pluto orbit each other, so they are called double dwarf planets.
The distance between Charon and Pluto is 12,200 miles (19,640 kilometers).
Charon rotates in a synchronous orbit around Pluto. This means that Charon is visible from only one hemisphere of Pluto.
Charon remains in one place on Pluto’s surface. It never rises or sets.
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