# The rings of (2060) Chiron: Evidence of an evolving system

**Authors:** C. L. Pereira, F. Braga-Ribas, B. Sicardy, R. Leiva, M. Assafin, B. E. Morgado, J. L. Ortiz, P. Santos-Sanz, J. I. B. Camargo, G. Margoti, Y. Kilic, G. Benedetti-Rossi, R. Vieira-Martins, T. F. L. L. Pinheiro, R. Sfair, F. L. Rommel, A. R. Gomes-Júnior, R. C. Boufleur, R. Duffard, J. Desmars  
**arXiv:** [2510.12388](https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.12388)  
**Date:** 2025-10-14  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2510.12388v1/

## Key points

- Chiron has potential for hosting material in orbit
- Recent observations revealed three confined rings around Chiron at average radii of 273, 325, and 438 km
- Rings are coplanar with mean pole orientation of λ = 151° +/- 4° and η = 20° +/- 6°
- A broader disklike structure spanning from approximately 200 to 800 km was observed during the occultation event
- A faint feature was detected at around 1380 km from Chiron
- Chiron is only the fourth small solar system body known to host a ring system
- Features may not be permanent and could be evolving over time, suggesting ongoing formation and evolution of the ring system

## Summary

The Centaur (2060) Chiron has long been a subject of interest for astronomers due to its potential for hosting material in orbit. Recent observations have shed new light on the complex structures surrounding this enigmatic object. A multichord stellar occultation on September 10, 2023 provided valuable insights into Chiron's composition and dynamics. High-cadence light curves from the occultation revealed multiple secondary events that suggest the presence of three confined rings around Chiron at average radii of 273, 325, and 438 km. Interestingly, the outermost ring extends beyond Chiron's Roche limit. Further analysis of the data indicates that these rings are coplanar with a mean pole orientation of λ = 151° +/- 4° and η = 20° +/- 6°. In addition to the rings, a broader disklike structure spanning from approximately 200 to 800 km was observed during the occultation event. A faint feature was also detected at around 1380 km from Chiron. This groundbreaking discovery makes Chiron only the fourth small solar system body known to host a ring system. Comparisons with previous occultation events dating back to 1994 suggest that these features are not permanent and may be evolving over time. The presence of these dynamic structures raises the possibility that we are witnessing the ongoing formation and evolution of a ring system around Chiron. These findings open up new avenues for studying the dynamics and composition of small bodies in our solar system and provide valuable insights into their formation processes.