Charon is one of the most distant moons in the entire solar system. It orbits the dwarf planet Pluto, which is nearly 5 billion kilometers away from Earth. The object was examined using the most powerful observatory currently available to humanity in space. This is the James Webb Space Telescope, which provided interesting discoveries.
Research using the James Webb Space Telescope allowed for: determining the chemical composition of the surface of Pluto’s moon. Traces were found there carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. A few years ago, the object was examined by the New Horizons probe, which allowed for the presence of water ice, ammonia and certain organic substances. Bright craters were also found, but their composition remained a mystery. Until now.
The James Webb Space Telescope has specialized instruments that have allowed these structures of Charon to be examined in more detail. Found there the carbon dioxide probably comes from below the surface and was extracted after asteroid impacts.
The second ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. It is widely used on Earth oxidants for hair or for disinfection. Scientists say this is an interesting clue about Charon’s chemical composition. This compound probably formed on the surface as a result of the transformation of ice.
Charon is the largest of Pluto’s five moons. It was discovered on June 22, 1978 by James Christy. The object was better understood during the New Horizons mission sent by NASA.
The New Horizons probe flew over this moon of Pluto in 2015. Already then, scientists concluded that Charon is more than previously thought. The object should be a frozen relic of the early solar system. However, research has shown that it is a more peculiar world hiding many mysteries.
For now, there are no plans for a mission similar to New Horizons, which would allow for a more detailed study of Pluto and its moons. Fortunately, the James Webb Space Telescope has instruments sensitive enough to do this from a long distance.
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Source: geekweek.interia.pl
