Scientists have made a significant discovery on Pluto’s largest moon, Charon, by detecting the presence of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. This discovery provides insights into how icy bodies may have originated and evolved in the outer Solar System.
Pluto’s Dwarf Planet Status
- Pluto was originally considered the ninth planet in the Solar System. However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for what constitutes a planet.
- According to the new definition, a planet must have a clear orbit around the Sun, free from debris. Since Pluto’s orbit crosses the Kuiper belt region, where other objects exist, it was demoted to the status of a ‘dwarf planet.’
Charon: Pluto’s Largest Moon
- Charon, the largest of Pluto’s five moons, was discovered in 1978. It is extremely cold, making the possibility of life very unlikely. Water, which is essential for life, is present as ice on Charon’s surface.
- The moon has been extensively studied, but only recently have scientists detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on its surface.
Scientific Discovery
A research team from the Southwest Research Institute in the U.S. revealed the detection of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon’s surface. These gases were not previously detected due to limitations in the wavelengths of light emitted by instruments used for studying Charon.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Formation: The hydrogen peroxide is formed when ice is bombarded with charged particles like electrons or ions. This process breaks down the ice into hydrogen and oxygen, which then combine to form hydrogen peroxide, a compound commonly used in bleaches and disinfectants.
- Extended Wavelength Study: NASA’s James Webb Telescope, with its extended wavelength range, allowed researchers to study light scattered from Charon’s surface at longer wavelengths than previously possible. This contributed to the detection of new elements.
Carbon Dioxide on Charon
- The carbon dioxide is found mainly as a coating on an ice-rich surface.
- According to the research, the carbon dioxide likely originated from Charon’s interior and was exposed to the surface through cratering events.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Surface Changes
- The presence of hydrogen peroxide on Charon suggests that its ice-rich surface is altered by ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, as well as particles from solar winds and cosmic rays. This highlights the dynamic nature of Charon’s surface chemistry.
Conclusion
The discovery of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon helps researchers understand the processes shaping icy bodies in the outer Solar System. It provides crucial information on the origin and evolution of celestial objects far beyond the planets.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What gases were detected on Pluto’s moon Charon for the first time?
a) Oxygen and Nitrogen
b) Methane and Hydrogen
c) Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide
d) Water Vapor and Ammonia
Answer: c) Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide - Why was Pluto demoted from planet status to a ‘dwarf planet’ in 2006?
a) It is too small to be a planet.
b) Its orbit crosses with other objects in the Kuiper belt.
c) It does not orbit the Sun.
d) It lacks moons.
Answer: b) Its orbit crosses with other objects in the Kuiper belt. - What is the main reason scientists believe carbon dioxide is present on Charon’s surface?
a) It comes from volcanic activity.
b) It was formed by reactions with solar winds.
c) It originated from the moon’s interior and was exposed by cratering.
d) It is a result of atmospheric pressure changes.
Answer: c) It originated from the moon’s interior and was exposed by cratering. - How is hydrogen peroxide believed to be formed on Charon?
a) From volcanic eruptions.
b) By bombardment of ice with charged particles.
c) Through chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
d) From methane gas reactions.
Answer: b) By bombardment of ice with charged particles. - Which telescope helped in the detection of gases on Charon by extending the wavelength range?
a) Hubble Space Telescope
b) Kepler Space Telescope
c) James Webb Space Telescope
d) Spitzer Space Telescope
Answer: c) James Webb Space Telescope