JWST discovers that Chariklo's invisible rings are changing

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observed Chariklo's ring system, revealing unexpected changes in its rings. The study, led by the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA-CSIC), demonstrated that the rings are dynamic and may be subject to complex physical processes. The research used stellar occultations to measure changes in the rings' opacity, revealing that the inner ring shows higher opacity while the outer ring shows lower opacity. This indicates that the rings are not static and may be influenced by various factors.

The study is the first stellar occultation specifically predicted and observed with JWST, highlighting the telescope's capabilities. The occultation was planned with precision, considering Chariklo's orbit, the position of the star, and JWST's trajectory around the L2 Lagrange point. The relative speed between Chariklo and JWST was exceptionally low, allowing for high-resolution studies of the rings. The rings are too narrow and distant to be photographed directly, but stellar occultations enable indirect measurements of their structure.

The findings challenge the previous assumption that ring systems around small bodies are stable. The changes detected in Chariklo's rings suggest that such systems may be more dynamic than previously thought. The study also underscores the importance of precise planning and observation with JWST, which enabled the detection of these changes. The physical origin of the changes remains unclear, but the study opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of ring systems in the solar system.

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