UCF researchers have made significant discoveries about (2060) Chiron, a unique celestial object categorized as a "centaur," possessing both comet and asteroid characteristics. Utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team identified carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on Chiron’s surface, along with carbon dioxide and methane gases in its coma—the cloud of dust and gas enveloping it. Published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, this research enhances our understanding of the Solar System’s origins, as Chiron and other centaurs have remained largely unchanged since its formation.
Chiron’s distinct surface chemistry and activity provide a valuable opportunity to study the interactions between surface ices and emitted gases, which can reveal insights into its internal processes. Notably, Chiron exhibits comet-like behavior with the presence of rings and a debris field, making it an intriguing subject for ongoing research. The study aims to clarify the chemical composition of Chiron’s ice and gases, potentially shedding light on its evolutionary history and behavior patterns, particularly as it approaches the Sun. The findings underline the significance of active centaurs in understanding the early Solar System and the diverse processes that continuously shape these primordial objects.
