Archive · 22 Aug 2025
James Webb Telescope Discovers New Moon Orbiting Uranus
Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope found a new tiny moon circling Uranus, bringing the total number of moons around the planet to 29.
This new moon, called S/2025 U1, is very small and orbits close to Uranus.
Because of its size, it was not detected by previous missions like Voyager 2.
The moon might be connected to Uranus's rings and formed close to where it is now.
This discovery helps scientists understand how Uranus and its rings were created and also prepares for future missions to learn more about this ice giant.
The James Webb Space Telescope discovered a new moon, named S/2025 U1, orbiting Uranus.
The new moon is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) in diameter and orbits 35,000 miles from Uranus.
This discovery increases Uranus's moon count to 29.
The moon's nearly circular orbit suggests it may have formed near its current location, possibly linked to Uranus's rings.
Further missions, including a proposed Uranus Orbiter and Probe, could offer detailed views of the ice giant.
- Who
- Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
- What
- The James Webb Space Telescope discovered a new moon orbiting Uranus.
- When
- The discovery was made using images taken on February 2.
- Where
- The moon orbits Uranus.
- Why
- The discovery helps scientists understand Uranus's formation and its ring system.
- Moon Name
- S/2025 U1
- Planet
- Uranus
- Diameter of Moon
- 6 miles (10 kilometers)
- Distance from Uranus
- 35,000 miles (56,000 kilometers)
- Total Moons of Uranus
- 29
- Telescope
- James Webb Space Telescope