Neptune's inner moons have long been a subject of fascination for astronomers, and new research using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has shed light on their mysterious origins. The discovery of clay-like minerals on the surfaces of these tiny moons suggests that they may be the remnants of a catastrophic event that shattered larger icy moons.
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The research supports the theory that Neptune's original satellite system was destroyed when Triton, the planet's largest moon, was captured by Neptune's gravity. The clay-like minerals found on the surfaces of the inner moons indicate that they originated from deep inside larger icy moons, providing a glimpse into the violent history of Neptune's satellite system.
