Daily Current Affairs : 9-October-2024
Recently, scientists made an interesting discovery on Charon, Pluto’s biggest moon, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). They detected two vital compounds—carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide—on Charon’s surface. This discovery contributes to our knowledge of this distant moon, which is located in the far reaches of our solar system.
About Charon
Charon is the largest of Pluto’s five moons, and it plays a significant role in our study of the outer solar system. Below are a few key facts about Charon:
- Size and Mass: Charon is about 1,214 kilometers (754 miles) in diameter, making it roughly half the size of Pluto itself. Its mass is over one-tenth that of Pluto.
- Discovery: Charon was discovered on June 22, 1978, by astronomers James W. Christy and Robert S. Harrington at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Double Dwarf Planet System: Due to its size and mass relative to Pluto, Charon and Pluto are often referred to as a “double dwarf planet system.” This term highlights the close relationship between the two bodies.
- Mutual Tidal Locking: Charon and Pluto are in a state of mutual tidal locking, meaning they always show the same face to each other. This occurs because their gravitational forces have synchronized their rotations.
- Orbital Period: Charon orbits Pluto once every 6.4 Earth days at a distance of approximately 19,640 kilometers (12,200 miles).
Surface Composition and the Role of the James Webb Space Telescope
Recent research, using the advanced instruments of the JWST, revealed that Charon’s surface contains carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. These findings are especially exciting because they suggest a more complex chemistry on Charon than previously thought. In addition to these compounds, Charon’s surface also includes water ice and ammonia-bearing materials.
These discoveries are important for several reasons:
- Carbon Dioxide: This compound is commonly found on icy moons and planets, and its presence on Charon suggests that the moon has a dynamic and evolving surface.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This compound is rare and usually forms in icy environments with sunlight. It raises questions about Charon’s history and the processes that shape its surface.
Charon’s Importance as a Kuiper Belt Object
Charon is a member of the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies. Its study helps scientists learn more about the characteristics of distant objects in this region. By observing Charon, researchers can better understand the conditions and chemistry of other objects in the Kuiper Belt, which is a key area of exploration in the study of our solar system’s outer edges.
Important Points:
- Discovery of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide: Scientists detected these compounds on Charon’s surface using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
- Charon’s Size and Mass: Charon is Pluto’s largest moon, about 1,214 km (754 miles) in diameter and has more than one-tenth the mass of Pluto.
- Mutual Tidal Locking: Charon and Pluto always show the same face to each other due to synchronized rotations caused by gravitational forces.
- Orbital Period: Charon orbits Pluto every 6.4 Earth days, at a distance of about 19,640 kilometers (12,200 miles).
- Surface Composition: In addition to carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide, Charon’s surface also contains water ice and ammonia-bearing compounds.
- Charon’s Role in the Kuiper Belt: Located in the Kuiper Belt, Charon provides valuable insights into icy bodies beyond Neptune’s orbit.
- Importance of the Discovery:
- Carbon Dioxide: Suggests a dynamic and evolving surface on Charon.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Rare and indicates complex chemical processes at play on the moon’s surface.
- Double Dwarf Planet System: Charon and Pluto are often considered a “double dwarf planet” due to their comparable sizes and masses.
- Scientific Impact: The discovery helps expand our understanding of the chemistry and processes that shape distant icy moons and bodies in the outer solar system.
Why In News
Scientists have recently detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, using the advanced capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), marking a significant breakthrough in the study of distant moons in our solar system. This discovery adds to our understanding of the complex chemistry taking place on Charon’s icy surface.
MCQs about New Discoveries on Charon
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What important compounds were recently detected on Charon using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)?
A. Methane and Nitrogen
B. Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide
C. Oxygen and Water
D. Sulfur and Ammonia
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What phenomenon occurs between Pluto and Charon, where they always show the same face to each other?
A. Tidal Locking
B. Orbital Eccentricity
C. Retrograde Rotation
D. Solar Eclipse
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What is Charon’s size in comparison to Pluto?
A. Charon is much smaller, about one-quarter the size of Pluto.
B. Charon is the same size as Pluto.
C. Charon is about half the size of Pluto.
D. Charon is slightly larger than Pluto.
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Why is Charon’s study important for understanding the Kuiper Belt?
A. It provides insights into the formation of the Sun.
B. It helps us study planets beyond Neptune.
C. It offers valuable data about icy bodies in the outer solar system.
D. It helps track asteroids in the asteroid belt.
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