Tag

Moonlet

All articles tagged with #moonlet

"Unveiling the Enigmatic Influence of Hidden Moons on Space Rock Rings"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert

Scientists have discovered that the asteroid-like minor planet Chariklo, located in the space between Jupiter and Neptune, is circled by a pair of gossamer rings likely shepherded by a tiny, unseen moonlet. The rings are being maintained and shaped by the moonlet, keeping them tidy and preventing them from dispersing. This discovery sheds light on the complex lives of minor planets and adds to our understanding of ring formation around small celestial bodies.

science astronomy asteroids astronomy chariklo moonlet planetary-science rings

"Mysterious Satellites: Unraveling the Secrets of Celestial Rings"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com

Computer simulations suggest that a small, unseen moonlet may be responsible for shaping the thin rings around the distant minor planet Chariklo, a Centaur located between Jupiter and Neptune. These rings, which are not like the rings of giant planets, are thought to be sculpted by the influence of a small satellite, keeping them narrow and preventing them from dispersing. The rings are primarily made of water ice, and their formation and stability are still under investigation.

science astronomy astronomy centaur chariklo computer-simulations moonlet rings