Charon, the largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto, is actively studied with ground-based and space-based telescopes. Thanks to the New Horizons mission, scientists have data on geology. Unlike the large inhabitants of the Kuiper belt, the surface of this satellite, except for the poles, is not dragged by flying components and is therefore open for study. American researchers have discovered two new compounds in Charon and found their source. This will help create the initial composition of trans-Neptunian objects.

Charon has attracted the attention of astronomers since its discovery in 1978, but until recently its observations were limited to wavelengths less than 2.5 micrometers, leaving a gap in knowledge about its composition. The presence of water ice, ammonia-containing compounds and organic compounds were detected on the surface of this satellite. However, recording of substances such as carbon dioxide (CO)₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂HE₂), was impossible. Meanwhile, this information is important for understanding the origins of Kuiper belt objects, including Pluto and other dwarf planets.

The NIRSpec near-infrared spectrograph on the James Webb telescope is best suited for searching for new materials on Charon. Scientists from the USA and France, led by a group from the Southwest Research Institute, analyzed absorption spectra in the range of 2.5 to 5.2 micrometers and found the presence of CO2 and H2O2. An article about this appeared in the magazine Nature Communication.

“James Webb’s advanced observation capabilities allowed our team to examine the light scattered from Charon’s surface at a longer wavelength than previously possible. This increased our knowledge of the composition of the surprising cosmic body,” said co-author of the new publication from the Space Telescope Science Institute (USA) Ye Wong.

To understand the source of carbon dioxide on Charon, researchers compared observational data with laboratory experiments and detailed spectral models of the surface. Data obtained from observations of the surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa were taken as reference. Analysis shows that pure crystalline CO2 _lid surface rich in water ice.

“According to our interpretation, the upper layer of carbon dioxide comes from underground and was released as a result of impact events. CO₂ It was present in the branches of the protoplanetary disk from which the Pluto system was formed,” explained Silvia Protopapa, lead author of the scientific study.

The presence of hydrogen peroxide clearly indicates that the surface of Pluto’s satellite will transform ultraviolet radiation, energetic particles of the solar wind and galactic cosmic rays. Under the influence of ions, electrons and photons, water ice molecules break down, releasing oxygen and hydrogen. H synthesis₂HE₂ It’s even possible from a mixture of carbon dioxide and water ice under Charon conditions. This was confirmed by laboratory experiments.