Modeling the uranian rings at 2.2 μm: Comparison with Keck AO data from July 2004

We present a Monte Carlo model of the uranian rings, and compare this model to images of the system obtained with the Keck adaptive optics system in July 2004, at a wavelength of 2.2 μm (from de Pater et al. (de Pater, I., Gibbard, S.G., Hammel, H.B. [2006a]. Icarus 180, 186-200)). We confirm the presence of the ζ ring, but show that this ring must extend inwards much further than previously thought, although with an optical depth much lower than that in the main ζ ring component. We further confirm dust rings between rings α-4 and β- α, as well as near the λ ring. In addition, we show that a broad sheet of faint material ( τ₀ ∼ 10 ^-3) must be present through most of the ring region, from the α ring through the λ ring.