Namaka’s Shadow: Catching a Tiny Moon Eclipse a Distant Star
Astronomers observed the first stellar occultation by Namaka, a small moon of the dwarf planet Haumea, revealing a minimum size of 83 km. This rare event helps refine Namaka’s orbit and hints at Haumea’s internal structure. The study demonstrates how brief stellar eclipses by distant objects can uncover key details about our solar system’s outermost regions.
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.