In the distant reaches of the solar system lies a region called the Kuiper Belt. Beyond the orbit of Neptune, this ring of icy bodies is left over from the early days of planet formation. The often-pristine Kuiper Belt Objects come in various shapes and sizes. Some reside in pairs or multiples, while others have rings or moons. They exhibit a wide range of colors, which may indicate different formation histories or different exposure to sunlight.

These denizens of the Kuiper Belt could teach astronomers much about how our solar system formed. NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope will examine an assortment of these objects shortly after its launch in 2021.

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