charon

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:57:44 +0000

# Discover Charon: Pluto’s Mysterious Moon and a Window into the Outer Solar System Charon, the largest moon of Pluto, has captivated scientists and space enthusiasts alike since its discovery in 1978. Orbiting about 12,000 kilometers above Pluto’s surface, this giant satellite is more than just a companion—it’s a key to understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system’s distant, icy frontier. In this comprehensive SEO-focused article, we explore who Charon is, what makes it unique, its scientific significance, and why it continues to spark intrigue in planetary science. ## Who Is Charon? Charon is Pluto’s principal moon, with a diameter of roughly 1,212 kilometers—about half the size of Pluto itself. Discovered by astronomer James Christy in 1978, Charon was the first moon ever found orbiting a planet beyond Earth, making it historically significant. Unlike many moons in the solar system, Charon is more than one-third the size of Pluto, creating a binary-like system where both bodies orbit a mutual center of mass located just above Pluto’s surface. This unique configuration sets Charon apart from typical moon-planet relationships.