Abstract
ABSTRACT Possible mechanisms responsible for the sudden brightening of object 2060 Chiron are considered, with special attention given to volatile release. It is found that pure ice surfaces are devolatilized on time scales of less than 10 to the 6th-7th years in the present orbit of Chiron, and less than 3 x 10 to the 8th years if substantial mantling occurs. If volatiles or volatile activity are detected on Chiron, the present devolatilization time scales imply that Chiron formed in the outer solar system and is not an ejected asteroid.
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