Here's what Chiron, this celestial object that intrigues scientists, is made of 🔭

Centaurs, these objects orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune, exhibit traits of both asteroids and comets. (2060) Chiron, in particular, has been studied by a team from the University of Central Florida, revealing the presence of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on its surface, as well as gases in its coma.


These discoveries, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, enrich our understanding of the origins of the Solar System. The researchers, including Noemí Pinilla-Alonso and Charles Schambeau, used the unique capabilities of the James Webb Telescope to analyze the chemical composition of Chiron.

The study of Chiron offers a window into the physical and chemical processes at work in the surface and subsurface layers of centaurs. The detection of gases such as methane in Chiron's coma, at such a distant location from the Sun, is a first.

Chiron, discovered in 1977, stands out for its cometary activity and the potential presence of rings of material. These characteristics make it a privileged object of study to understand the transformations undergone by celestial bodies under the effect of solar radiation.

The researchers plan to continue their observations of Chiron, particularly during its orbital position closest to Earth. These studies could reveal how seasonal variations in sunlight affect its behavior and ice reserves.

This research opens new perspectives for the study of centaurs and comets, particularly thanks to the cutting-edge technology of the James Webb Telescope. Scientists hope that this work will help clarify the mysteries surrounding the formation and evolution of our Solar System.

What is a centaur in astronomy?

Centaurs are celestial objects that orbit the Sun between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune. They take their name from the mythological creature that is half-human and half-horse, reflecting their hybrid nature between asteroids and comets.

These objects are particularly interesting to scientists because they exhibit characteristics of both categories. For example, some centaurs show signs of cometary activity, such as the formation of a coma or a tail, while having orbits more typical of asteroids.

The study of centaurs, such as (2060) Chiron, allows researchers to better understand the physical and chemical processes that occur in the outer regions of the Solar System. These objects, often considered relics of the formation of the Solar System, can provide valuable clues about the conditions that prevailed billions of years ago.

Finally, centaurs are prime targets for space telescopes like James Webb, which can analyze their chemical composition in detail, revealing information about the ices and gases present on their surface and in their coma.

How is the James Webb Telescope revolutionizing the observation of celestial objects?

The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in December 2021, represents a major advance in the observation of the Universe. Thanks to its infrared instruments, it can detect celestial objects with unparalleled precision, even at extreme distances.

One of the key features of James Webb is its ability to analyze the chemical composition of celestial objects. This includes the detection of ices and gases on objects like (2060) Chiron, which was previously impossible with existing ground-based or space telescopes.

James Webb also allows the study of physical and chemical processes in real time, such as cometary activity or changes in the composition of asteroid surfaces. These observations are crucial for understanding the evolution of celestial objects and, by extension, the Solar System itself.

Finally, the James Webb Telescope opens new perspectives for the study of exoplanets, distant galaxies, and cosmic phenomena, providing data of unprecedented precision and richness.