Discovered Location Outside Earth Yielding Unanticipated Water Reservoir

In the far reaches of our solar system, a fascinating discovery has been made about Pluto's largest moon, Charon. The findings, first published in the journal Science back in 1987, revealed the presence of water ice on Charon's surface.

Charon resides in the Kuiper Belt, a region just beyond Neptune where Pluto and its moons dwell. This icy celestial body has been a subject of intrigue for scientists, who have since been trying to unravel its mysteries.

The initial observation of water ice was made using infrared measurements. However, more recent findings by the New Horizons spacecraft in 2015 did not confirm the presence of water and ammonia ice as previously reported in 2000 and 1987. Nevertheless, the 2015 findings supported the theory of an ancient ocean on Charon.

Images captured by the New Horizons spacecraft showed multiple terrains on Charon consistent with an ancient ocean. Moreover, high-resolution spectra from 2007 depicted frigid geysers on Charon, suggesting cryovolcanism - a process involving water rising to the surface and turning into ice crystals, indicating the presence of liquid water at its centre.

The International Gemini Observatory in Hawaii labelled Charon as a possible "outer solar system ice machine" in 2007. Their findings suggested that Charon might have an underground liquid water source, which aligns with the theory of an ancient ocean.

The discovery of water and ammonia ice on Charon is not unique. Voyager surveys have shown these components on other moons in the Kuiper Belt. Ammonia ice on Charon's surface further suggests former and possible active geological activity.

Scientists believe it's plausible for an underground ocean to be escaping on Charon, creating its icy surface. This theory aligns with the initial indication of water ice observed in 1987 and the crystalline form of water ice covering most of Charon's surface, as reported in 2000.

The discovery of an ancient ocean on Charon adds another piece to the puzzle of our solar system's icy bodies. As we continue to explore the Kuiper Belt and its inhabitants, we may uncover more secrets about our cosmic neighbourhood.