Scientists propose Pluto and its moon Charon formed via a gentle collision, challenging previous theories.

A new study proposes that Pluto and its moon Charon formed through a "kiss and capture" mechanism, where the two icy bodies collided, temporarily stuck together, and then separated into a stable orbit. This theory, published in Nature Geoscience, challenges previous models suggesting large-scale mixing and deformation from a giant impact. The study suggests that the collision could have formed subsurface oceans and may be common in the Kuiper Belt.

3 months ago
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