One of Neptune's 16 moons is not like the others, James Webb telescope finds — and it could be key to fully understanding the solar system
A new study suggests that Nereid, one of Neptune's moons, may be the only remaining moon from the planet's formation over 4.5 billion years ago. This finding contradicts previous beliefs that Nereid was captured from the Kuiper Belt. The James Webb Space Telescope's observations revealed Nereid's unique composition, indicating it is distinct from other known Kuiper Belt objects.
- ▪Nereid is likely the only moon left from Neptune's early formation.
- ▪The study published in Science Advances challenges the idea that Nereid was captured from the Kuiper Belt.
- ▪James Webb Space Telescope data confirmed Nereid's composition differs from known Kuiper Belt objects.
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| Original publisher | Live Science |
| Canonical URL | https://www.livescience.com/space/neptune/one-of-neptunes-16-moons-is-not-like-the-others-james-webb-telescope-finds-and-it-could-be-key-to-fully-understanding-the-solar-system |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T10:37:01.295Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T10:37:01.295Z |
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Space Astronomy Planets Neptune One of Neptune's 16 moons is not like the others, James Webb telescope finds — and it could be key to fully understanding the solar system Neptune has a complicated life story, and its moon Nereid might be the only one left standing from the planet’s multibillion-year history. By Elizabeth Howell published 22 May 2026 in News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Nereid (inset) may be the only moon of Neptune (background) that was around when the planet first formed, a new JWST study hints. (This composite image is not to scale).
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