Centaur https://refractor.io/tag/centaur/ Centaur en-AU Fri, 27 Mar 2015 02:35:55 GMT MIT scientists detect possible ring system around minor planet Chiron https://refractor.io/space/mit-scientists-detect-possible-ring-system-around-minor-planet-chiron/ Artist's impression of Chiron (Image: ESO)

A team of astronomers from MIT have detected signs of a possible ring system around the minor planet Chiron. First discovered in 1977, Chiron belongs to a class of minor planets known as centaurs. These bodies share some of the characteristics exhibited by both comets and asteroids, hence their classification as Centaurs, which in ancient mythology denoted a creature with the traits of both man and horse.

Continue Reading

Category: Astronomy, Science

Tags: , , , ,

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2015 02:35:55 GMT https://refractor.io/space/mit-scientists-detect-possible-ring-system-around-minor-planet-chiron/ Anthony Wood