James Webb Space Telescope discovers ice at ringed asteroid Chariklo

The most comprehensive plans need a sprinkle of luck, even in space.

In October 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or Webb) watched as Chariklo, a tiny ringed asteroid, eclipsed a star. This event, called an occultation, marked a first for Webb. At the month’s end, Webb turned toward Chariklo again and notched another victory: For the first time, astronomers analyzing the telescope’s data spotted clear signs of water ice, the presence of which was only hinted at until now. These observations will guide astronomers to better understand the nature and behavior of tiny bodies in the outer reaches of our solar system.



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