The atmosphere of Ceres periodically appears and disappears.
American and Spanish scientists have discovered that the atmosphere of Ceres periodically appears and disappears. A study published in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters.
According to scientists, the formation of the rarefied atmosphere of the dwarf planet is determined by two factors, each of which is directly connected with the Sun.
First, sunlight causes sublimation of water ice on the surface of Ceres. The same phenomenon is characteristic of comets when they approach the sun. Second, on the atmosphere of the dwarf planet is influenced by solar activity, mainly the flows of high-energy protons.
To such conclusions experts have come, analyzing the data of the space telescope Herschel, ground-based Observatory Very Large Telescope and the stations of the Dawn, which currently continues research of Ceres.
Because currently solar activity is near its minimum, on Ceres almost no atmosphere. Experts believe that over time thin shell around the gas planet is a little will grow and thicken.
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