Scientists have discovered a new type of planetary collision called “kiss-and-capture,” where Pluto and proto-Charon briefly ...

While Charon is currently listed as a satellite or moon by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), consideration is being given to it perhaps being classified as a dwarf planet in its own right, ...

Thus, they can act as a cold trap for organic molecules such as methane, which can result in that red color. It's no surprise that there's a lot of ice on Charon; the temperature there has been ...

“It goes, something hit Pluto, question mark question mark question mark, Charon is now there,” Denton says. Computer simulations of such collisions seemed to result in a system like Pluto and ...

However, collisions involving smaller, colder objects, such as Pluto and Charon, occur at slower speeds ... where to search for extraterrestrial life. The collision also shaped the distinctive ...

A researcher has used advanced models that indicate that the formation of Pluto and Charon may parallel that ... supports the formation of other moons, such as Pluto's four other tiny, lumpy ...

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While the kiss-and-capture scenario is interesting, says Rothery, it will need to also explain the complex geological features seen on both Pluto and Charon, such as heavily cratered surfaces and ...