New study suggests organic molecules on Ceres came from Asteroids, not volcanoes
Recent findings from NASA's Dawn spacecraft have led scientists to reconsider how organic molecules ended up on the dwarf planet Ceres. Previously, it was believed that cryovolcanic activity—volcanoes that erupt icy materials—in Ceres' interior brought these organic compounds to the surface. However, new research from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany suggests a different origin.
The study indicates that organic molecules on Ceres were likely deposited by asteroid impacts rather than being formed internally through volcanic processes. By analyzing spectral imaging data from the Dawn spacecraft, scientists mapped areas rich in organic materials and found they were not located near cryovolcanic sites.
Ranjan Sarkar, a scientist involved in the study, pointed out that these organic deposits are rare and not linked to volcanic features, challenging the earlier belief that volcanoes were responsible for bringing organic materials to the surface.
Further analysis suggests that slow-moving asteroids from the outer asteroid belt could be the source of these organic compounds. Due to their low impact speeds, the heat generated during collisions is insufficient to destroy the organic molecules, allowing them to remain on Ceres' surface.
Martin Hoffmann, another researcher at MPS, highlighted that there is no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity in the areas where these organic compounds are found. This supports the theory that the organic materials were delivered from space by asteroid impacts rather than from within the planet itself.
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V.D. Satheesan elected as new Chief Minister of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Celebrations erupted across Kerala on Thursday after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next Chief Minister of the state.
Satheesan was at the Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi.
Soon after the announcement, jubilant Satheesan supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the state.
Paravur in Ernakulam district, the Assembly constituency he has represented since 2001, witnessed large-scale celebrations.
Satheesan was widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with UDF allies also backing his candidature during the selection process.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he led the UDF both inside and outside the House.
Apart from Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP K C Venugopal were also considered for the post.
