For quite a while, astronomers have been puzzled by an asteroid named Phaethon. The comet-like tail it produces when closest to the sun has been a mystery. The tail is made up of the usual comet materials like ice and carbon dioxide, but it is only visible when the asteroid is near the sun, unlike normal comets, which are visible from much farther away.
In new research, astronomers discovered that Phaethon’s infrared emissions closely match that of a rare class of meteorite called “CY carbonaceous chondrite.” Based on these findings, it seems that Phaethon could belong to this unique class of meteorite, making it a rare find in our solar system. This is a significant discovery, as only six specimens of these meteorites are currently known to exist.
Analyses of Phaethon’s emission spectrum have revealed olivine, carbonates, iron sulfides and oxide minerals. These findings support the hypothesis that Phaethon is indeed connected to the CY class of asteroid due to similarities in composition. It appears that the unique minerals found on Phaethon’s surface interact with the extreme heat from the sun to create the comet-like tail.
Researchers have developed thermal models to show how the extreme temperatures as Phaethon passes by the sun could affect the minerals on the asteroid’s surface, causing the release of gases and breaking down of the rock. This would explain the formation of the asteroid’s tail as it travels through our solar system. These findings are an exciting development in better understanding the composition and behavior of asteroids like Phaethon.
“It was great to see how each one of the discovered minerals seemed to fall into place and also explain the behavior of the asteroid,” said co-author Mikael Granvik from the University of Helsinki. This research opens up new avenues for studying asteroids and their compositions, shedding light on the mysteries of our solar system. Â