Scientists reveal new insights about Chiron, a unique comet-asteroid hybrid

Scientists have made new discoveries about Chiron, a unique celestial object that is part comet and part asteroid. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers found that Chiron has water ice, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide on its surface, along with a trail of methane and carbon dioxide. Chiron's behavior is similar to that of comets, with rings of material around it. This study reveals that centaurs like Chiron provide insights into the thermal evolution of icy bodies in the Solar System, highlighting their dynamic nature and varied origins. Additionally, a second study classified other trans-Neptunian objects, showing that centaurs are not a uniform group but have diverse characteristics. This research enhances understanding of how these objects evolve as they approach the Sun.