James Webb Space Telescope discovers the rings of tiny solar system body Chariklo are changing

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Webb Telescope Detects Changes in Chariklo's Rings

   The James Webb Space Telescope discovered that the rings surrounding Chariklo, a small icy solar system body, are changing over timescales of years. Observations indicate the body's inner ring is becoming denser while the outer ring is fading. Chariklo measures approximately 250 kilometres across, making it significantly smaller than the giant planets that typically possess ring systems. These findings reveal that ring structures can be dynamic and unstable even on small, non-planetary bodies.

   Why it matters

   Chariklo is an icy object that challenges the assumption that only giant planets can maintain rings. The discovery of these narrow rings on a body smaller than the length of Tasmania provides a new case study for celestial mechanics.

   What is confirmed

   • Chariklo is an icy body approximately 250 kilometres across.
   • Chariklo possesses two narrow rings.
   • The James Webb Space Telescope observed that Chariklo's rings are changing on timescales of years.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Chariklo's inner ring is growing denser while its outer ring fades.

   What to watch next

   • Further Webb observations to determine the cause of the ring density shifts.
   • Analysis of the long-term stability of rings around small icy bodies.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Space — James Webb Space Telescope discovers the rings of tiny solar system body Chariklo are changing
   2. Phys.org — JWST discovers that Chariklo's invisible rings are changing
   3. spacedaily.com — Rings aren’t exclusive to giant planets: Chariklo, an icy body only about 250 kilometres across—shorter than Tasmania is long—carries two narrow rings, and Webb observations suggest they are changing on timescales of years.
   4. Sky & Telescope — Webb Telescope Discovers Surprising Changes in an Asteroid’s Rings
   5. martincid.com — JWST finds Chariklo’s inner ring growing denser while its outer ring fades
   6. www.quantamagazine.org — Black Holes or Black Hole Stars? Astronomers Spar Over Webb Telescope’s ‘Little Red Dots.’
   7. www.aol.com — James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes discover tiny new worlds deep in our solar system
   confidence 90%