The planet Pluto has five moons, Charon is the largest.
Selasa, 15 Okt 2024 13:13:13
Charon, bulan di Planet Pluto (©NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute)
Scientists researching planets discovered chemicals contained in one of the moons of the planet Pluto in follow-up research using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This chemical, in the form of hydrogen peroxide, is usually used as a disinfectant and hair bleach. Usually this bleaching technique is used before the hair is colored.
Quoted from IFL Science, Tuesday (15/10), this chemical was found on Charon, the largest moon on the planet Pluto. This farthest planet has five moons.
Anyone else asking too?
The discovery of hydrogen peroxide on Charon suggests there is some very interesting chemistry going on. The presence of chemicals on Charon was initially detected by NASA’s New Horizons aircraft. When examining Charon, the probe discovered substances containing ammonia, and even some organic compounds. This suggests the presence of interesting chemicals on Charon.
Meanwhile, JWST succeeded in penetrating deeper into Charon’s surface and discovered the presence of water and other interesting chemicals previously seen by New Horizons. It also detects the presence of a layer of carbon dioxide.
Asteroid Impact
Researchers believe this carbon dioxide comes from beneath Charon’s surface, deposits of material that have existed for billions of years since Charon was formed. Currently this material is appearing on the surface due to the impact of an asteroid impact.
Hydrogen peroxide is a molecule similar to water, but with another oxygen atom – namely H2O2. The discovery of hydrogen peroxide suggests that the water ice on its surface is changing. There are many potential causes: sunlight is dim at a great distance but still has an impact; there is also the solar wind, a stream of electrically charged particles released by the Sun, hitting Charon’s surface; and galactic cosmic rays will also hit the moon.
These findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
The planet Pluto has five moons; Charon is the largest. And now it turns out to be quite the chemical lab!
Published: Selasa, 15 Okt 2024 13:13:13
Breaking News from the Distant Cosmos!
Scientists have been peering into the cosmic wonder that is Pluto’s moon, Charon, and boy, do they have some gems to share! Recently, while dusting off the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) like an old book that smells of disinfectant and questionable hair decisions, they stumbled upon hydrogen peroxide. Yes, you heard that right! The same stuff you might find in your bathroom cabinet — now that’s what I’d call a real cosmic hairstylist!
Pluto’s Party of Moons
Pluto isn’t just twiddling its thumbs—this dwarf planet boasts five moons. Of all its celestial companions, Charon—whose name sounds like it could be a contestant on a reality dating show—is the largest and the star of today’s astrophysical gossip!
Chemical Chit-Chat on Charon!
So, what’s the deal with hydrogen peroxide on Charon? Well, researchers unearthed that this compound is typically used for hair bleaching, which makes me wonder if some space stylist is preparing Charon for an icy new look! But it’s not just a fashion statement; the presence of hydrogen peroxide indicates intriguing chemistry at play, suggesting a potentially revamping surface layer. It’s like Charon is going through an existential crisis—who knew moons had such dramatic lives too?
NASA’s Surveillance: New Horizons Edition
The initial scoop on Charon came from NASA’s “New Horizons” probe. Like a nosy neighbor peeking through your curtains, it spotted ammonia and even some organic compounds lurking around. Much like the gossip at a family reunion, these findings hinted at some spicy chemistry amongst Charon’s icy terrain!
A Deeper Look with JWST
But wait, there’s more! Enter the JWST, diving deeper into Charon’s surface than a diver at a summer pool party. It discovered water, a sprinkle of carbon dioxide, and compounds that even the New Horizons probe couldn’t identify. Talk about a Moon with layers—it’s like peeling back the layers of an onion and discovering a whole lasagna instead!
The Asteroid’s Impact
Researchers think the carbon dioxide on the surface is like the remnants of an ancient cake that’s been waiting for its moment to shine, emerging from beneath Charon’s crust due to an asteroid impact. Food for cosmic thought, eh?
The Science Behind the Chemistry
For those curious folks, hydrogen peroxide is essentially a water molecule with an extra oxygen atom (H2O2)—which sounds like a cocktail party waiting to happen! However, this discovery points toward changes in the water ice covering Charon. The likely suspects? The dim sunlight, solar winds, or galactic cosmic rays all throwing a cosmic rave on its surface!
Final Thoughts
This dazzling discovery was published in the journal Nature Communications, which I think we can all agree sounds much more sophisticated than a magazine about bridal hairdos. But, who knows? Maybe Charon has future plans to host interstellar beauty tips! Stay tuned for updates from this far-off moon!
Wishing you clear skies and clean hair—because you never know when hydrogen peroxide might just appear!