Anik Dus Gouptho

Anik Das Gouptho

Grade: 12

School: Dhaka College

City: Dhaka

Topic: Charon


"Protein is one of the most important bio-chemical substances in living organisms. Space researchers are in incessant rummage for extra-terrestrial life on outer galacc space. Since alien life being the first priority to the search, we’re looking for organic compounds like protein, water for vitalization. In Situ spacecraft explorations found that amino acid’s formation on interstellar objects is possible in abiotic condition. Proteins are polymers of amino acids and the raw material of every earth life.

Hence, aminopolymers are considered vital for cosmic life. Charon, the largest of the five known satellites of dwarf planet Pluto, has an amount of tholins and organic macromolecules. Tholins must dissolve to produce amino acids. Mordor Macula, the large reddish area of Charon consists of methane and tholins. This can also support a methane life cycle.

Artist's view of New Horizon and Charon
​Charon, also known as Pluto I, is an unprecedented place to look for extra-terrestrial life. Its peculiarity has fascinated many researchers. The flashy features of Charon particularly landscape covered with mountains canyons, landslides, distinguish colours on surface attract the attention to search for space inhabitants on it. Besides, the structural components of Charon are favouring to form life. The presence of ammonia hydrates, water crystals and volatiles on its surface are revealed through spectral observing flux. Obtained results from several observations show precedence of water frosts at all longitudes on Charon. This display of water ice-Ammonia ice mixture may indicate geological activities in the satellites past. More geological activities mean transmission of larger amount of heat from moon’s interior to the surface which could contribute to liquid water’s appearance from which we can learn about the origin of life formation on Charon, if there was any.

Specially, Charon is the biggest known satellite relative to its parental body. The first known binary planet, Pluto and Charon orbit the common centre of gravity. Thus, both have a significant impact on each other’s lunar and planetary activities. On Pluto, Sputnik Planitia can reserve a subsurface ocean, which is assumed to be maintained liquid by clathrate hydrate layer. Space beings can be animated through the contiguity of the ocean. Provided that, emitted tholins and macromolecules by Pluto are funnelled in the opposite direction towards Pluto, their interactivity is crucial for enlivening. Over and above, Charon is residing at the Kuiper Belt region that consists of numerous asteroids, comets, dwarf planets and other small solar system bodies. Sir Fred Hoyle and Nalin Chandra Wickramasinghe have proposed that microbial life might exist on comets and asteroids. By turning spacecra􀅌 to Charon, we can have surveillance over neighbouring solar objects to search.

In conclusion, Charon is alluring for a space probe to launch towards it as it creates an extensive opportunity for exploration of outer space with thick neighbouring residence and garish distinctions. Presence of life constructing constituents, creating ample research opportunities while orbiting in the Kuiper Belt makes me enthusiastic to explore the unsighted portion. Findings through the exploration may reveal whole new horizon."

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