The origin of the ring system of asteroid (10199) Chariklo

This research is motivated by the recent discovery that asteroid (10199) Chariklo posses a ring system. We shall describe the properties of these asteroidal rings as well as the circumstances of their discovery and posterior re-observation by stellar occultations. Then, we shall asses the plausibility of different formation scenarios. First we shall discuss the possibility that the rings have formed as a consequence of the breakup of an asteroidal satellite. We compute the location of the breakup distances under various assumptions and also the conditions in which tidal forces become a significant and attractive interaction. We also asses the possibility that a craterizing impact on the surface of the body of the asteroid ejected enough mass at the proper velocities to form the rings. We also evaluate the probability that the ring material originated in a disruptive collision between a field asteroid and a satellite located where the ring system is observed at present. We also estimate typical timescales for the favorable collisional events. Finally we discuss pros and cons of all formation scenarios put forward at present, including the existence of cometary-like activity events capable of expelling material from the surface of the asteroid to the location of the rings.