Ceres– dwarf planet of the solar system: discovery and name, classification, size, mass, orbit, composition, atmosphere, origin, research with photos.
Ceres is a dwarf planet, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
IN solar system There is an interesting territory - the Asteroid Belt. In addition to containing 2.8-3.2 quintillion tons of material, the site is home to small dwarf bodies. The largest is called Ceres, which belongs to the category of dwarf planets.
The size and shape were initially confusing, and scientists believed that Ceres was a planet. Later, the conclusions were revised, but the object is massive enough to be spherical. The status is still debated. Let's find out more information about the dwarf planet and where exactly Ceres is located.
Discovery and name of the dwarf planet Ceres
In 1801, a dwarf planet Ceres found by Giuseppe Piazzi while searching for the zodiac stars. But the existence of a dwarf was predicted by Johann Bode, who believed that there should be a planet between Mars and Jupiter. It was based on the now invalid Bode-Titius law (1766).
The law stated that the semi-primary planetary axes follow a pattern, except for the Mars-Jupiter gap. To figure it out, Franz Xaver von Zack in 1800 asked two dozen experienced astronomers to find the missing planet. Below is a photo of Ceres from space Hubble telescope.
One of the astronomers was Giuseppe Piazzi, who made the discovery before the request came to him. But he thought that there was a comet in front of him. Further review showed that the object was something larger. The final conclusions were presented in 1801.
But Ceres was close to the Sun, so during the shift it disappeared from view. Afterwards, scientists found it again and confirmed the discovery. From the very beginning, Piazzi wanted to name the object Ceres Ferdinande, in honor of the goddess Agriculture and the king. But the second part was not accepted in other countries, but “Ceres” gained a foothold. In Germany they called her Hera, and in Greece they still adhere to the variant with Demeter.
Classification of the dwarf planet Ceres
As they studied, new objects were discovered and scientists began to guess that they were facing a different class. William Herschel coined the term "asteroid" and Ceres took over in 1802. In 1860, there was a distinction between objects like Ceres and planets, although there was still no definition for the latter. In the 2006 dispute, Ceres appeared as a planet.
New requirements from the IAU included the need for the object not to act as a satellite, to have a certain mass and to clear the surrounding area. Ceres is not a dominant body and shares its territory with a huge number of asteroids.
Interestingly, the IAU has never considered whether Ceres is an asteroid. Moreover, they do not have this term, since they still use "minor planet".
Size, mass and orbit of the dwarf planet Ceres
In 1802, William Herschel derived a diameter of 260 km, and in 1811 Johann Schröter argued that it was 2613 km. The modern figure is 473 km, and the mass of Ceres is 9.39 x 10 20 kg (0.00015 earths).
Physical characteristics of the dwarf planet Ceres |
|||||
| Opening information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| opening date | January 1, 1801 | ||||
| Discoverers | Giuseppe Piazzi | ||||
| Orbital characteristics | |||||
| Major axle shaft | 413,767,000 km | ||||
| Eccentricity | 0,07934 | ||||
| Circulation period | 1680.5 days | ||||
| Mood | 10.585° | ||||
| Apparent magnitude | from 6.7 to 9.32 | ||||
| physical characteristics | |||||
| Radius | 487.3 ± 1.8 km | ||||
| Surface area | 2,849,631 km² | ||||
| Weight | 9.43 10 20 kg | ||||
| Density | 2.077 g/cm 3 | ||||
| Albedo | 0.090 ± 0.0033 | ||||
The dwarf planet Ceres occupies a third of the total asteroid mass (4% of the Moon) in the asteroid belt. But its massiveness is enough to secure itself in an almost spherical shape. It moves in a slightly inclined but moderately eccentric orbit. It can approach the Sun at 382.6 million km and move away at 445.4 million km. It takes 4.6 years to fly in orbit around the Sun, and rotation around its axis takes 9 hours and 4 minutes.
Composition and atmosphere of Ceres
With a density of 2.16 g/cm3, the object has a rocky core and an icy mantle. Data from the Keck Observatory in 2002 confirmed that the latter extends over 100 km and holds 200 million km 3 of water. IR data from the surface also suggests there may be an ocean underneath. If so, then microbial life is capable of living in it. Consider the structure and structure of Ceres in the figure.
There may be iron-rich clay and carbonates on the surface. This layer is relatively warm, where the temperature reaches -38°C. If there is enough antifreeze, the ice will lose stability, so there is a weak atmosphere. The hydroxide ions found also support this.
But water vapor was noted in 2014, which showed the eruption of cryovolcanoes formed due to internal heat and subsurface pressure.
Origin of Ceres
What about the origin of the dwarf planet Ceres? There are many opinions on this matter. Some believe that this is a surviving protoplanet that appeared 4.57 billion years ago in the asteroid belt. It did not merge with others and did not achieve the status of a terrestrial planet. Jupiter also failed to throw it into the outer system. There is also an opinion that the object appeared in the Kuiper belt, and then migrated to the asteroid belt.
The evolution of geology is based on thermal sources. It is believed that planetary accretion and the decay of radionuclides were enough for Ceres to acquire a rocky core and an icy mantle. The surface gradually sublimated, leaving hydrated minerals.
Currently, no geological activity is observed, and the surface is covered with crater scars. The presence of water ice hinted at internal reserves.
Exploring the dwarf planet Ceres
People began to learn about Ceres almost recently. In 1995, the Hubble telescope was able to take a high-resolution photo of Ceres, displaying a dark spot on the surface. This crater was named Piazzi.
In 2002, the Keck Telescope took a series of close-up infrared images, showing bright and dark features moving with the dwarf's rotation. In 2003-2004 Visible light images from Hubble appeared, showing 11 previously known features, whose nature is still unknown.
In 2015, the Dawn spacecraft began studying Ceres and Vesta. He discovered a huge number of craters, which hints at an icy surface. Some bright spots reach an albedo of 40%. Possibly represented by ice or salt that reflects the sun's rays.
The mission also discovered mountains with a height of 6 km. It resembles a pyramid and rises above a smooth relief surface. Ceres still seems to us a mysterious object that cannot be explored. Let's hope that subsequent missions will bring more information. You can carefully examine the surface features of the dwarf planet in the photo of Ceres.
Photos of Ceres
Gau Crater on Ceres
Juling Crater
This high-resolution photo of Ceres shows the Juling crater with a depth of 2.5 km. On the left you can see a small mountain with a height of 1 km. Many formations hint at the flow of material and the presence of ice reserves below the surface layer. On the mountain peak there is a small depression, the origin of which is still unknown. Perhaps it's all about the landslide. The device managed to capture this view on August 25, 2016 at an altitude of 385 km (36 degrees S and 167 degrees E). Juling is a spirit in Malaysian culture. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the Dawn mission. Part of the larger Discovery project.
Kupalo crater on Ceres
The image taken by NASA's Dawn mission shows the crater of Ceres Kupalo. This is one of the youngest crater formations on the dwarf planet. Endowed with vibrant material centered on the rim and walls, capable of being layered. The streaks on the bottom may have formed due to post-impact melting and debris accumulation. It extends 26 km wide and is located in the southern mid-latitudes. The name is given in honor of the god of vegetation and harvest among the Slavs. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the Dawn mission. Part of the larger Discovery project.
Craters Takel and Kozobi
Occator in false color
Occater's false-color photograph shows the difference in surface composition. Red corresponds to a wavelength range of 0.97 micrometers (IR), green – 0.75 (red), blue – 0.44 (blue). The crater extends for 90 km. Researchers use false color to look at differences in surface materials. Usually Blue colour on Ceres indicates 130 bright spots and hints at the presence of salts. The device performed a survey at a distance of 4400 km. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the Dawn mission. Part of the larger Discovery project.
Occator on the limb of Ceres
This image shows the edge of the dwarf planet Ceres with the territory of the northern hemisphere. The majestic Occator crater catches your eye. It extends 92 km and deepens 4 km. This is the clearest evidence of recent geological activity. Analysis shows that the internal material is salt. It remained after the fine liquid passed through freezing and then sublimated (from ice to steam). The image was taken by the Dawn spacecraft on October 17 at a distance of 1,480 km. The resolution is 140 m per pixel. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the Dawn mission. Part of the larger Discovery project.
Exploration of Ceres
Northern Hemisphere Ceres
Ceres in color
Southern Hemisphere Ceres
Bright spots in Ceres' second mapping orbit
Brightest spots and Occator crater
The Occator crater extends 92 km in diameter and has a depth of 4 km. Inside it is the brightest region on Ceres. A close-up from Dawn shows a dome in the smooth center of the crater. Linear formations and fractures extend upward and diverge to the sides. There are also visible faults around, leading to brighter areas. The frame is made from two images created at a shorter exposure. It allows you to reveal the details of bright objects. The photographs were taken by the LAMO camera at an altitude of 385 km above Ceres. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is responsible for the Dawn mission. Part of the larger Discovery project.
In the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Ceres was discovered on January 1, 1801 by astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi at the observatory of Palermo, Italy.
Comparative sizes Ceres, Earth and Moon.
As you can see, the planet Ceres is much smaller than the Moon, and yet Ceres is the most big planet in the Main Asteroid Belt...
If our Moon were in this belt, it would be a real giant!
And these are the sizes of Ceres and Vesta with the Moon.
They account for 41% of the total mass of the Main Asteroid Belt.
| - physical characteristics Equatorial radius - 487.3 ± 1.8 km Polar radius - 454.7 ± 1.6 km Weight (m) - 9.43 ± 0.07 x 10 20 kg Average density - 2.077 g/cm 3 Acceleration free fall at the equator - 0.27 m/s 2 (0.028 g) Axis tilt - about 3° North pole declination - 59° Albedo - 0.09 ± 0.0033 Spectral class - C Apparent magnitude - from 6.7 to 9.32 Absolute magnitude - 3.36 ± 0.02 Angular diameter - from 0.84" to 0.33" |
- orbit characteristics: Perihelion - 381,028,000 km (2.5465 AU) Aphelion - 446,521,000 km (2.9842 AU) Semimajor axis (a) - 413,767,000 km (2.7653 AU) Orbital eccentricity (e) - 0.07934 Sidereal orbital period - 1680.5 days (4.60 Earth years) Orbital speed (v) - 17.882 km/s Inclination to the Ecliptic (i) - 10.585° |
Is the most big body in the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. According to calculations, Ceres accounts for 32% of the mass of this asteroid belt. The planet Ceres is classified in the newly designated class of dwarf planets, along with Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris. It is the smallest of them. Dwarf planets are distinguished, among other things, by the fact that they have sufficient mass to give themselves a spherical shape under the influence of their own gravity.
It is assumed that planet Ceres has a rocky core, an icy mantle and a thin layer of regolith on the surface. Moreover, the mantle consists of water ice, which accounts for up to 20-30% of the mass of Ceres.
According to some estimates, Ceres contains about 200 million km³ of water in the form of ice. This is 1/10 the volume of the Earth's oceans and more than the Earth's reserves fresh water.
Ceres represents one of the most promising objects for colonization in the distant future:
* Ceres has very low gravity, meaning takeoff and landing are greatly facilitated spaceships;
* Large reserves of water ice will provide the colony with water, fuel and air (water splits into hydrogen and oxygen)
* Ceres is a convenient base for studying the systems of giant planets, due to its convenient location between the Inner and Outer planets.
But there are also difficulties:
* Not on Ceres magnetic field which is harmful to people's health
* Low temperatures due to little sunlight
* There is not even a weak atmosphere that could partially protect at least from the smallest dust-like meteorites;
* Main Belt asteroids pose a danger to ships
It is quite possible to see Ceres through a telescope - the brightness can reach approximately 7th magnitude, but alas, it is difficult to see the details.
Even the image of Ceres from the Hubble telescope looked rather modest. And this takes into account its power in the absence of atmospheric distortion. Until recently Ceres studied only with the help of telescopes, including radio telescopes, which showed that the surface of Ceres is relatively smooth.
Therefore, great hopes were placed on NASA's Down spacecraft, which was launched on September 27, 2007 after numerous delays.
In 2011, the Dawn spacecraft entered orbit around Vesta and then headed towards Ceres.
Dawn entered Ceres orbit on March 6, 2015 and met the expectations of earthlings, beginning a series of images, gradually descending over the planet.
Here is a short video from June based on the results of the photo shoot. Approximately 80 individual photographs were used.
On June 3, 2015, Rassvet entered an orbit of 4400 km. and started new series pictures that will be taken until June 28.
The clarity of the images has noticeably increased, the spots have broken up into separate parts, which previously merged into one. A sharp black line “pierced” into the central light spot “bottom right” became more noticeable. This line looks like an image defect, but it was already present in this exact location in the earlier photo.
But the spots still remain a mystery. This is the best image of the spots on Ceres so far.
Video from NASA posted on August 6th. This is a video of a three-dimensional model of the surface of Ceres, more precisely two of its regions - with strange light spots and an area with a high pointed mountain, a peak about 6 km high above the surrounding surface:
Video from NASA posted on September 9th. A computer model of the Occator crater on Ceres, in which those bright spots are located:
On September 9th, new photographs of light spots in the Occator crater were posted.
The resolution was 140 meters per point.
The pictures were taken from an altitude of 1470 km.
The walls of Occator are curious - in some places they reach a height of two kilometers and are completely vertical.
Alas, the new pictures haven’t really clarified anything yet. On the other hand, these spots no longer resemble the lights of alien cities.
We are waiting for the Dawn spacecraft to continue its descent - the next series of images will be taken from an orbit of 375 kilometers.
Video from NASA posted on January 29, 2016.
Video based on images from an altitude of 1450 km. from August to October 2015.
On June 29, 2016, researchers announced that new data suggests that the main mineral in the mysterious light area on Ceres in Occator Crater is sodium carbonate. On Earth, it is most often found in hydrothermal vents. This suggests hydrothermal activity on Ceres in the past.
The highest mountain on Ceres is Ahuna Mons, a cryovolcano 5 kilometers high.
Current position of Ceres and other most notable celestial bodies see the online Sky Map page. More on this topic:
Asteroid Vesta
Eris - dwarf planet
Specialists from the Dawn spacecraft mission have published a number of new images of the dwarf planet Ceres. On them we can see the well-known Occator crater, young craters, and also in Ceres in color.
Occator Crater. Photo NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA
The first image shows the well-known crater Occator, which attracted the attention of scientists as a bright spot when the spacecraft was just approaching the dwarf planet. The crater measures 92 kilometers wide and 4 kilometers deep.
Research has shown that the bright material is nothing more than deposits of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate or the so-called “Epsom salt”. Scientists suggest that Ceres has a peculiar subsurface layer that is rich in frozen liquid saturated with salts. From time to time, as a result of certain processes, possibly both external and internal, part of the material from this layer falls on the surface of the dwarf planet.
Craters Takela and Kozobi. Photo NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA
The second image shows young craters on the dwarf planet known as Takela (left) and Kozobi (right). The craters are easy to distinguish on the surface of the planet, as they are distinguished by sharp outlines. On the slopes of Takela, bright material is visible, which, apparently, is an analogue of the bright material in the Occator crater.
Ceres in color. Photo NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA
The last image shows us Ceres in color, as a person would see it upon arriving on the planet. The image was created by scientists from the German Aerospace Center who used Dawn images taken in 2015 using red, green and blue filters.
Ceres is the largest asteroid in the asteroid belt, which has received the status of a dwarf planet. The pursuit of the discovery of this planet began in 1781, at the time when the planet Uranus was discovered, located in the very region of space in space that belonged to the Titius-Bode rule. Titius's rule (German scientist) proves the pattern of increasing increase in the radii of the orbits of planets located near the Sun. Some time later, this rule turned out to be inaccurate, and the discovery of Uranus in the same place gave rise to an avid “hunt for the planets” among astronomers of past centuries.
History of discovery
Later, in 1800, an international group of scientists - astronomers “Heavenly Guard” was founded. Around the clock, she observed the space in space between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, that is, in the area where that yet undiscovered planet should have been located. Ceres was discovered in this area by the Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi in 1801. At first he mistook it for a comet, but still noticed that it had certain features. Throughout the year, other scientists also attempted to document the existence of this asteroid planet, but only on the last day of 1801 were they able to confirm its existence. With this, the Titius-Bode rule again became valid. Giuseppe Piazzi himself named the asteroid planet “Ceres,” although before that it was pronounced “Ferdinand’s Ceres.”
In 1802, Ceres was classified as an asteroid. Largest in the main asteroid belt cosmic body has a diameter of 950 kilometers, has a spherical shape due to the presence of Ceres’s own gravity, and six thousand times less mass than the Earth, and at the same time makes up a third of the total mass of objects in the asteroid belt.
According to scientists' research, after the asteroid Ceres acquired a spherical shape, processes of gradual displacement of the heaviest rocks into the central part began to occur. The result of this displacement was the formation of a stone core. Water ice makes up the outer shell, which is about 100 kilometers thick, which exceeds the fresh water reserves on Earth.
Research
Ceres is one of the main participants, with good prospects, in projected space developments. First of all, this is due to the fact that it stores a huge supply of fresh water and this fact may mean that there is an opportunity to create life here.
From a colonization perspective, Ceres is of great interest. At the second stage of space exploration, they plan to colonize Ceres. At the first stage, they expect to colonize space objects located relatively close to the Earth, Moon, Venus, Mars, and Mercury.
Distant future
Ceres is between gas giants and planets " terrestrial group", has good conditions, allowing it to serve as an ideal transfer point for the creation of space bases on it. The negative factors of this planet include low gravity and the absence of a magnetic field, which is a negative factor for human health.
Animation of the DAWN spacecraft flying from Vesta to Ceres
Dawn is making more discoveries as it gets closer to Ceres. Following bright spots on the surface of the dwarf planet, the spacecraft discovered a pyramid-shaped mountain. The new photographs were taken from a distance of 4,400 kilometers.
Just six months ago, Ceres was observed as just a few pixels. Now Dawn is approaching the dwarf planet as close as possible. By December this year, the spacecraft will be at an altitude of just 360 kilometers above the surface of Ceres, which is lower than the flight altitude of the International space station over the Earth, writes the British newspaper Daily Mail.
It is noteworthy that the pyramidal mountain rises above a relatively flat surface. In height, this hill is comparable to the Mont Blanc massif between France and Italy. Mont Blanc, whose height reaches 4810 meters, is the highest mountain in Europe.
Another photo shows a few more bright spots. The diameter of the largest bright spot discovered is about nine kilometers. Scientists are inclined to believe that these areas are formed by the reflection of sunlight by salt and ice.
Dawn spotted the first mysterious spot several months ago. As they got closer to the planet, their number began to grow. Researchers have already managed to count up to eight spots. In fact, there may be even more of them.
Other images show areas with many lines and craters scattered across the surface of Ceres, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Landslides and destroyed natural structures also indicate activity on its surface in the past.
Dawn, which arrived at Ceres on March 6, 2015, is the first spacecraft to visit the orbits of two separate celestial bodies in the solar system. Before that, he studied the protoplanet Vesta.
The Dawn spacecraft will remain in its current orbit until June 30. At the beginning of August, it and Ceres will be separated by a distance of only 1,450 kilometers.
