Rings and moons articles from across Nature Portfolio

The unusual radar properties of icy satellites appear to be correlated and distributed along a spectrum of values. Only modelling including the coherent backscatter opposition effect can reproduce this behaviour.

The nanometer silica grains that were detected by Cassini in Saturn’s E-ring can be explained by hydrothermal activity on Enceladus’ seafloor and upward transport through the ocean, according to analytical modeling of convection and particle entrainment in Enceladus’ ocean.

Lunar high-concentration ferric ion (Fe³⁺/∑Fe > 40%) and ~63% of nanophase metallic iron (npFe⁰) are produced via charge disproportionation of ferrous iron from micrometeoroid impacts, as observed in the Chang’e-5 sample. This ongoing process would lead to a continuously increasing abundance of Fe³⁺ in the lunar regolith.

Lunar soils returned by China’s Chang’E−5 (CE5) mission record the unique information of solar wind essential to understanding the preservation and distribution of lunar surficial water. Here the authors report abundant water formed by solar wind implantation in minerals of CE5 lunar soils; the water content in CE5 lunar soils is estimated to be ~ 170 ppm.

A close look at microcraters on a lunar grain from a Chang’e-5 returned sample shows evidence of the formation of nanophase metallic iron (np-Fe⁰) via disproportionation of Fe²⁺ triggered by secondary impacts, with no space weathering contribution from the solar wind.