Unexpected Mechanism Explains Formation of Pluto-Charon System

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Jan 6, 2025 - 13:00

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Unexpected Mechanism Explains Formation of Pluto-Charon System

$Pluto and Charon are the largest binary system in the known population of trans-Neptunian objects in the outer Solar System. Their shared external orbital axis suggests a linked evolutionary history and collisional origin. Their radii, 1,200 km and 600 km, respectively, and Charon’s wide circular orbit of about 16 Pluto radii require a formation mechanism that places a large mass fraction into orbit, with sufficient angular momentum to drive tidal orbital expansion. Denton et al. numerically modeled the collisional capture of Charon by Pluto using simulations that include material strength. Image credit: Denton et al., doi: 10.1038/s41561-024-01612-0.$

Planetary scientists at the University of Arizona say they have discovered an entirely new type of cosmic collision.

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