Chiron and the Centaurs: escapees from the Kuiper belt
Article Abstract:
Chiron and other Centaurs are bodies that have been formed by the leakage of matter from the Kuiper belt due to planetary perturbations. The objects have a median lifetime of five x 10 to the seventh power. They are brighter and are heated more than other Kuiper belt objects due to their greater proximity to the Sun. The spectra of the Centaurs shows that they probably contain organic solids mixedwith ices. Chiron shows sporadic outbursts due to the interaction of the surface insolation level, spin axis obliquity, position of near surface volatiles and surface mantling by materials that do not sublime.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Rotation rates of Kuiper-belt objects from their light curves
Article Abstract:
The physical properties of Kuiper-belt objects are relatively small and their distance from Earth is large. Surface markings, shapes and rotational properties can only be investigated through reflected light variations. A survey of optical light curves from Kuiper-belt objects is reported, and variations were seen for only the faintest objects. Such variations may be due to the rotation of irregularly shaped objects.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Chiron illuminated
Article Abstract:
Astronomical probes have helped observe the atmosphere of 2060 Chiron during its occultation of a bright star. Chiron is a hybrid astronomical body which resembles a comet and a planet. The observations indicate that Chiron must have originated in the Kuiper disk of the sun and the opacity in its coma.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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