doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02433-2
Credibility: 989
#TNO
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have made incredible discoveries about the formation of the solar system by studying trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs
With the help of the James Webb Telescope, they were able to better understand the molecular composition of these celestial bodies and how they evolved over time.
What are TNOs and centaurs?
Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are small bodies that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune.
They are like time capsules, preserving evidence of the processes that shaped the solar system billions of years ago.
On the other hand, centaurs are TNOs that have changed their orbits and are now located between gas giants such as Jupiter and Saturn.
Discovering the composition of TNOs
Before this study, we knew that TNOs varied in terms of orbits and surface colors, but we understood little about their molecular composition.
Thanks to the James Webb Telescope, scientists have identified important molecules such as water ice, carbon dioxide, methanol and complex organic compounds.
These molecules explain the differences in the colors and light reflection characteristics of these objects.
TNOs were grouped into three categories based on their composition:
1. Bowl: They have crystalline water ice and dusty surfaces.
2. Double-dip: They show carbon dioxide and organic compounds.
3. Cliff: They have methanol, complex organic compounds and molecules with nitrogen, being the reddest.
How are centaurs different?
As centaurs approach the Sun, their surfaces undergo changes.
They develop layers of dust mixed with ice, which differentiates them from TNOs.
In the study, five centaurs were analyzed, and two of them fit into the TNO groups (Bowl and Cliff).
However, two centaurs showed unique characteristics, forming a new category called Shallow, marked by comet-like dust and almost no volatile ices.
What does this teach us about the solar system
TNOs and centaurs help us understand how the solar system formed and evolved.
For example:
– TNOs that formed in the outer regions contain compounds such as methanol and complex organics.
– Those that originated near the gas giants contain water ice and silicates.
This research also revealed that carbon dioxide, rather than water ice, is more common on the surface of many TNOs.
Next steps
With these initial findings, scientists plan to investigate further how these groups of TNOs formed and evolved.
This could shed light not only on the history of TNOs and centaurs, but also on other celestial bodies, such as comets and asteroids.
These studies are just the beginning of a journey to unlock the secrets of the solar system!
Published in 12/26/2024 22h49
Text adapted by AI (ChatGPT / Gemini) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption. Information about DOI, author and institution can be found in the body of the article.
Reference article:
Original study:
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