According to a study conducted by American scientists from the University of Idaho, the α and β rings of Uranus can hide several small satellites of the planet – the so-called miniluns, whose diameter is no more than 2-7 kilometers.
According to the calculations of specialists, these miniloons are located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from the α and β rings of Uranus and help preserve the structure of the rings of the gas giant. The scientists' conclusions were made on the basis of data obtained from the Voyager 2 interplanetary station. Moreover, the main reason why it is not yet possible to consider the miniboons in the images is the size of these celestial bodies.
Today it is known that the gas giant has thirteen rings. In terms of brightness, the α and β rings are second only to the ε rings. It is believed that the ring system around Uranus arose as a result of the destruction of its satellite.
The Voyager 2 station flew past the Uranus system in January 1986. The minimum distance between them was 81.5 thousand kilometers. Measurements and images taken at the moment the planet approached the station made it possible to detect new rings and, for the first time, obtain images of Uranus's satellites at close range.
Sources: Arxiv
