NASA, in its continuing exploration of the final frontier, has made an intriguing discovery. The space agency has found evidence that suggests the existence of a mixture of methanol, water ice, and other organic molecules on the surface of Ultima Thule. This ancient relic from the dawn of planet formation has had the curtains pulled back on its character, unveiling more about the complex structure.
Unveiling Ultima Thule’s Surface Features
NASA has recently published the first detailed profile of this mysterious object, presenting a closer look into the different characteristics shaping its surface. The scientists have begun investigating various surface features, such as bright spots and patches, hills and troughs, along with craters and pits.
One of the most notable features found on Ultima Thule is an 8-kilometer-wide depression that the team has informally named the ‘Maryland crater’. It’s believed to have been formed from an impact, creating what is now the biggest depression on the celestial body.
Unique Colour and Composition
Another captivating aspect of Ultima Thule is its colour and composition. It has been observed that its distinctive reddish hue bears a striking resemblance to that of many other objects located in its vicinity within the Kuiper Belt. This colour is believed to be caused by modifications that have happened overtime to the organic materials present on its surface.
About Ultima Thule
NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft was able to fly past Ultima Thule, giving scientists an unprecedented opportunity to study it up close. Identified as a contact binary, Ultima Thule consists of two differently shaped lobes joined together. The larger, peculiarly flat lobe, named “Ultima”, is connected to a smaller, somewhat rounder lobe, dubbed “Thule”.
| Lobe | Shape |
|---|---|
| Ultima | Flat |
| Thule | Rounder |
The Gentle Merger of Lobes
These two lobes were probably once in orbit around each other until a certain process brought them together, in a merger that scientists have shown to be surprisingly gentle. The alignment of the axes of Ultima and Thule implies that before this merger the two bodies were tidally locked, meaning each side continually faced the other as they revolved around a shared point.
The discoveries made about Ultima Thule are paramount for advancing our understanding of solar system formation, shedding light on theories and proving to be a guidepost as we navigate through the mysteries of space.