Delhi Delhi. Researchers have revealed an unprecedented scenario about the formation of Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, that has reshaped decades of scientific understanding. A study from the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory suggests that the two icy bodies, rather than violently colliding, underwent a “kiss and capture” event billions of years ago.
The findings challenge the prevailing theory that Charon was formed by a large impact, similar to how Earth's moon is thought to have formed. Instead, the study proposes that Pluto and Charon briefly merged into a celestial snowman-like shape before separating into a binary system.
The research, led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Aiden Denton, reveals a previously unknown type of celestial collision. Unlike the “hit and run” or “gray and merge” effects seen in other planetary systems, the interaction of Pluto and Charon was unique. After their initial contact, the two icy bodies remained gravitationally bound, revolving around a shared center of mass.
“We assumed that Pluto's moons formed from a violent impact,” Denton explained. “But we ignored the fact that these are icy planets, not hot, liquid-like planets. Given their cold, solid nature we came to a completely different conclusion.”
The team used high-powered computer simulations to analyze the collision dynamics. The models showed that instead of breaking apart or deforming significantly, Pluto and Charon stuck together for a short time. This temporary union allowed both bodies to maintain their structural integrity, creating a stable binary system. A binary system occurs when two celestial bodies orbit around a common center of gravity, just like two dancers holding hands.
This “kiss and capture” scenario provides new insights into the formation and evolution of icy bodies in the Solar System. The study also suggests that the collision generated enough internal heat to affect Pluto's geology. This heat would have contributed to the formation of an underground ocean, even at a time when radioactive decay was less intense in the Solar System.
“The heat and tidal forces of the collision may have played an important role in shaping Pluto's surface features,” Denton said. Unlike previous models that depicted Charon's formation as the result of a catastrophic impact, this study shows that both The nodules remained mostly intact. The findings are consistent with observations of the compositions of Pluto and Charon, which are composed primarily of rock and ice. “This discovery solves a long-standing puzzle,” said Eric Espag, senior author of the study. “This explains Charon's formation and puts it in the correct orbit without the need for violent impact.”
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