An intriguing phenomenon has been revealed by recent observations made by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): the frozen body Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, which is situated between Jupiter and Neptune, is generating several jets of hot gas. This discovery raises concerns about the origin and mechanisms underlying the activity of the celestial object in addition to highlighting its distinctive features. Centaur 29P is one of the most active objects in the outer solar system because of its documented periodic outbursts, which happen every six to eight weeks.
The Unusual Jets of Centaur 29P
Carbon monoxide (CO) and previously unreported carbon dioxide (CO₂) jets have been identified by the JWST coming from Centaur 29P. The significance of these jets lies in their suggestion of a more intricate surface composition than was previously thought. Since CO2 is the main form in which carbon is stored throughout the solar system, its presence is especially significant.
Scientists were able to construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of these jets with the help of JWST’s imaging and spectral data, which showed that the jets come from distinct areas on the centaur’s nucleus. This discovery casts doubt on current hypotheses regarding the genesis of primordial objects in the Kuiper Belt by suggesting that Centaur 29P may be a composite of many things.
Insights into Composition and Formation
Scientists’ investigation identified a northward-pointing CO jet in addition to two other jets of CO₂ coming from the south and north of Centaur 29P’s nucleus. Researchers created a three-dimensional (3D) model to help them better comprehend these emissions, and it showed that the jets most likely originate from several locations on the centaur’s surface. This discovery presents fascinating possibilities for the composition of Centaur 29P; it could be made up of several shards that came together throughout time, each with unique properties.
“The dramatic differences in the abundance of CO and CO₂ across its surface suggest that 29P may be made of several pieces,” co-author Geronimo Villanueva said of this intricacy. This casts doubt on accepted notions regarding the formation and storage of primordial objects in the Kuiper Belt.
The causes of Centaur 29P’s outbursts are still mostly unknown despite these developments. The distance between Centaur 29P and the Sun prevents any sublimation of water vapor, in contrast to comets, which usually release gas when heated by solar radiation. Scientists think that the jets are actually driven by other volatile gasses, such as CO and CO₂. As another co-author put it, “We only had time to look at this object once; I’d like to revisit Centaur 29P over a much longer period of time to gain better insights into what is driving these outbursts.” Adam McKay highlighted the importance of additional observations.
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