What are tholins and how do they affect the appearance of Trans-Neptunian Objects?
Answer
They are complex organic compounds that create a dark, reddish crust.
Tholins are complex organic compounds that result from radiation striking simple ices, such as methane or ammonia, on the surface of an object. These compounds coat the surface, resulting in a distinct dark, reddish appearance. This coloration can make objects difficult to analyze because it impacts their reflective properties, complicating the estimation of their size.
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