NASA May Have Solved Mystery Surrounding Bright Spots On Dwarf Planet
- 8 years ago
A new study about the glowing spots on Ceres reveals insights into the phenomenon.
When images of Ceres were first beamed back, the scientific community was rather stunned by the presence of numerous bright spots on the dwarf planet’s surface.
A new study on the matter reveals insights into the phenomenon.
The researchers determined the roughly 130 glowing areas contain a material that appears to be a magnesium sulfate variety known as hexahydrite.
Sublimated water ice is the proposed source of the salty component.
The scientists speculate the substance was brought to the surface by meteor strikes.
Notably, the majority of the spots are located within impact craters.
When images of Ceres were first beamed back, the scientific community was rather stunned by the presence of numerous bright spots on the dwarf planet’s surface.
A new study on the matter reveals insights into the phenomenon.
The researchers determined the roughly 130 glowing areas contain a material that appears to be a magnesium sulfate variety known as hexahydrite.
Sublimated water ice is the proposed source of the salty component.
The scientists speculate the substance was brought to the surface by meteor strikes.
Notably, the majority of the spots are located within impact craters.