Scientists have detected carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on Charon, Pluto's largest moon, using the James Webb Space Telescope. This discovery provides new insights into the moon's complex chemical makeup, enhancing our understanding of the evolution of distant solar system bodies.
Research led by Silvia Protopapa from the Southwest Research Institute revealed that Charon, previously known for its icy composition, now shows a more diverse chemical structure. The findings suggest that CO2 may originate from underground layers and has been brought to the surface through asteroid impacts.
Charon, which is about half the size of Pluto, has a unique relationship with the dwarf planet, forming a double system. The presence of hydrogen peroxide indicates ongoing chemical processes influenced by solar radiation and cosmic phenomena.
These discoveries have broader implications for understanding other icy bodies in the Kuiper Belt and the early solar system's formation, offering a glimpse into the conditions present 4.5 billion years ago.