08 Sep 2023 Kuiper Belt
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic details “Kuiper Belt”. The Topic “Kuiper Belt” has relevance in the Science and Technology section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About the Kuiper Belt:?
For Mains:
GS 3: Science and Technology
Significance of the Kuiper Belt?
Why in the news:
Astronomers have discovered compelling indications pointing to the presence of an Earth-like planet in the remote Kuiper Belt of our solar system. This discovery provides fresh perspectives on planetary formation and the potential for habitable conditions beyond our planet.
Introduction to the Kuiper Belt:
- The Kuiper Belt is a distinct region within our solar system, beginning just beyond the orbit of Neptune.
- It extends from approximately 30 to 50 astronomical units (AU) away from the Sun. One AU equals the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, about 93 million miles (150 million kilometres).
- This region is named after Gerard Kuiper, a Dutch-American astronomer who proposed its existence in 1951.
Formation of the Kuiper Belt:
- The Kuiper Belt is a relic from the early stages of our solar system’s formation. It is believed to contain remnants dating back to the solar system’s origin, making it of significant interest to astronomers and planetary scientists.
- After the Sun’s formation, a rotating disk of gas and dust surrounded it. Within this disk, small particles collided and adhered to one another, forming planetesimals.
- Some planetesimals grew over time to become the planets in our solar system. Others remained as smaller objects, forming what we now know as the Kuiper Belt, populated with various celestial bodies.
Composition of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs):
- Ices: KBOs are predominantly composed of volatile ices, including water, ammonia, and methane. These icy components contribute to their distinctive appearance.
- Rock and Metal: Beneath the surface layers of ice, KBOs also contain significant amounts of rock and metal, adding to their structural composition.
- Organic Compounds: Some KBOs contain organic molecules, which hold great significance for scientists studying the origins of life and the chemical processes in our solar system.
Notable Kuiper Belt Objects:
- Pluto: Pluto, previously regarded as the ninth planet in our solar system, underwent a reclassification in 2006, categorising it as a dwarf planet. It remains one of the most well-known KBOs.
- Eris: Another dwarf planet within the Kuiper Belt, Eris is comparable in size to Pluto. Its discovery played a pivotal role in redefining the criteria for classifying celestial bodies.
- Haumea, Makemake, and Quaoar are additional dwarf planets residing within the Kuiper Belt, each contributing to our understanding of this distant region.
- Ultima Thule: In 2019, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft conducted a historic visit to Ultima Thule, officially designated as 486958 Arrokoth. This mission provided valuable data and insights into the Kuiper Belt, enhancing our knowledge of this remote part of our solar system.
Significance of the Kuiper Belt:
- Planetary Formation Insights: The Kuiper Belt provides valuable insights into the early stages of planetary formation and the composition of materials in the solar nebula. Studying objects in this region helps us understand how planets and other celestial bodies came into existence.
- Dwarf Planet Classification: The discovery of numerous dwarf planets within the Kuiper Belt has prompted reevaluating how we categorise celestial bodies in our solar system. This reclassification has enriched our understanding of the diversity of objects beyond traditional planets.
- Origin of Comets: Many short-period comets, which visit the inner solar system, originate in the Kuiper Belt. Exploring these comets helps us unravel the origins and composition of cometary bodies, shedding light on the early solar system’s conditions.
Future Exploration Missions:
- New Horizons: Launched in 2006, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft conducted a historic flyby of Pluto. It continued its mission to explore the Kuiper Belt, providing unprecedented data and insights about this region.
- Lucy: NASA’s upcoming Lucy mission is poised to explore Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, which may have origins in the Kuiper Belt. This mission promises to reveal further connections between these distant celestial bodies.
- OSIRIS-REx: While primarily focused on studying the asteroid Bennu, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission will return a sample to Earth, offering crucial information about the early solar system, potentially including insights into Kuiper Belt materials.
Q.1 Which of the following statements regarding the Kuiper Belt is correct?
- It is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
- The Kuiper Belt is primarily composed of volatile gases like hydrogen and helium.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: C
Q.2 Which of the following statements regarding the Kuiper Belt is correct?
- Pluto is considered the largest object in the Kuiper Belt.
- The Kuiper Belt provides insights into the early stages of planetary formation.
- Ultima Thule is an object within the Kuiper Belt.
How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
ANSWER: C
Q.3 Discuss the Kuiper Belt’s formation, composition, and its role in our understanding of the solar system’s early history.
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