'Snowman' theory could explain how Pluto and its moon came together, and how it has a liquid ocean

**"Snowman" Theory Sheds Light on Pluto’s Formation and Subsurface Ocean**

A new theory, dubbed the "Snowman" model, is offering fresh insights into how Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, formed and how Pluto might harbor a liquid ocean beneath its icy surface. This intriguing idea suggests that the dwarf planet and its moon came together through a gentle collision, much like two snowballs merging to form a snowman.

According to the theory, Pluto and Charon originated as separate icy bodies in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune. Over time, they slowly collided at a low speed, sticking together rather than shattering or bouncing apart. This gentle merging process could explain their current orbital configuration and the unique characteristics of both bodies.

One of the most fascinating implications of the Snowman theory is its connection to Pluto’s potential subsurface ocean. The slow, low-energy collision would have generated enough heat to melt some of Pluto’s interior ice, creating a liquid ocean that could still exist today, insulated by a thick layer of ice. This ocean might explain geological features observed on Pluto’s surface, such as cracks and ridges, which suggest ongoing internal activity.

The theory also aligns with data from NASA’s New Horizons mission, which flew past Pluto in 2015 and revealed a complex and dynamic world. The mission’s findings, combined with computer simulations, support the idea that Pluto and Charon formed through a relatively gentle process rather than a violent impact.

Understanding Pluto’s formation and internal structure not only deepens our knowledge of the dwarf planet but also provides clues about other icy worlds in the Kuiper Belt and beyond. The possibility of subsurface oceans on these distant bodies raises exciting questions about their potential to support life.

The Snowman theory highlights the intricate and delicate processes that shape planetary systems. As scientists continue to study Pluto and its moon, this model could help unravel more mysteries about the origins and evolution of our solar system’s most distant inhabitants.