Chariklo, a strange ringed object beyond Saturn, looks even stranger in new James Webb telescope study
New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal that the rings surrounding the centaur object Chariklo are changing in opacity. Scientists are currently investigating the cause of these mysterious shifts in the distant solar system body.
Why it matters
Understanding the dynamics of small solar system bodies provides insight into the formation and evolution of our planetary neighborhood.
James Webb Space Telescope observations of Chariklo, one of the smallest ringed worlds in the solar system, reveal some inexplicable changes.
By Elizabeth Howell Edited by Brandon Specktor , Laura Mondrag n Published 15 September 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
An illustration of the centaur object Chariklo, which is encircled by two strange rings that might be changing before our eyes. (Image credit: L. Maquet, Observatoire de Paris) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The rings around a strange small body orbiting between Saturn and Uranus look mysteriously different from previous views, new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest.
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