2060 Chiron
2060 Chiron is the first of the class of small bodies, n the Solar system classed as Centaurs.[1][2] Its orbit ranges from 8.9 astronomical units to 18.9 astronomical units. It was discovered on November 1, 1977.
When discovered Chiron was classed as an asteroid, even though its orbit lies outward of Planet Jupiter, and it approaches the orbit of Planet Uranus.[2] However, as it came closer to Sol, our sun, it was observed to be shedding gas and dust, like a comet. It is now believed to have been an object that formed in the outer Solar system, that migrated in withing the last tens of millions of years. The original Chiron, from Greek mythology, was a Centaur, and subsequent objects found that are believed to have formed in the outer Solar system, are colled Centaurs.
Centaurs, like Chiron, are expected to have short lifetimes, once they have left the outer Solar system.[2] They are expected to lose mass, like comets', or to be expelled, due to their interactions with the planets of the inner Solar system.
Astronomers believe they have detected Chiron to be orbited by rings of debris.[2]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑
James L. Elliot (2013-09-06). "New Mysteries at Chiron". NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS). Retrieved 2026-07-10.
It is similar in size, however, to the recently discovered Kuiper belt objects, leading to the conjecture that Chiron is closely related to these objects, but its chaotic orbit has brought it much closer to the sun
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3
"What's going on with Chiron? New study investigates Solar System mystery". Queen's University Belfast. 2024-07-22. Archived from the original on 2025-03-21. Retrieved 2026-07-10.
Most Centaurs will be ‘bouncing’ around for approximately 10 million years, before being propelled out of the Solar System, with only a few surviving to become short period comets.