NASA’s Webb telescope has discovered a new moon orbiting around Uranus. The small object is approximately 10 kilometers wide and marks the 29th addition to the planet’s family of moons.
Scientists attribute its discovery to the moon’s tiny size and faintness, which allowed it to remain undetected during previous observations, including Voyager 2’s flyby in 1986.
Researchers believe that numerous other undiscovered objects may be lurking around the planet, given Uranus’ unique ring system and complex relationships between its inner moons.
“Uranus has more small inner moons than any other planet,” noted Matthew Tiscareno of the SETI Institute. “This new discovery highlights the complexity and chaos in its history, blurring the line between a ring system and a system of moons.”
The newly discovered moon orbits within the largest moons of Uranus, including Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon.
Although the new moon has not yet received an official name, it will be designated once approved by the International Astronomical Union.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/nasa-uranus-moon-new-discovery-b2811014.html