JWST Unveils the Hidden Complexity of Chariklo’s Rings
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, Pablo Santos-Sanz et al. observed Chariklo’s rings through a stellar occultation, revealing unexpected changes. The inner ring (C1R) has grown denser, while the faint outer ring (C2R) appears to be fading, possibly due to dust loss. Models suggest C2R contains tiny silicate grains, and the findings indicate Chariklo’s rings are dynamic, evolving, and may even be transient.
Rings of the Solar System: Exploring Origins and Mysteries
Rings in the solar system, once thought exclusive to giant planets, have been discovered around smaller objects like Chariklo, Haumea, and Quaoar. These rings exhibit diverse origins, from tidal disruptions to cometary activity, yet often converge in structure due to shared physical processes. The puzzling presence of Quaoar’s rings beyond its Roche limit challenges traditional models, suggesting unique dynamics shaped by resonance and particle collisions in cold environments.