Scientists Detect Possible Atmosphere Around Tiny World Beyond Pluto
Scientists studying the outer reaches of the solar system believe they may have discovered an atmosphere surrounding a tiny icy object far beyond Pluto, a finding that could reshape current understanding of distant space bodies.
The object, known as (612533) 2002 XV93, is located in the Kuiper Belt, a remote region filled with frozen remnants left over from the formation of the solar system. Researchers say the body measures only about 300 miles across, making it one of the smallest known objects believed to possess a gravity bound atmosphere.
The discovery was made after astronomers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan observed the object passing in front of a distant star in January 2024. During the event, known as a stellar occultation, the background starlight faded and returned gradually instead of disappearing instantly, a sign scientists say points to the presence of a thin atmosphere.
Researchers believe the atmosphere may have formed from gases released by icy volcanic activity or from the aftermath of a comet or asteroid impact. Scientists estimate the atmosphere is millions of times thinner than Earth’s and significantly weaker than Pluto’s already faint atmosphere.
Lead researcher Ko Arimatsu said the discovery challenges long held assumptions that atmospheres can only exist around larger planets or moons.
NASA scientist Alan Stern, who led the New Horizons mission to Pluto, described the findings as exciting but stressed that additional observations are needed to confirm the results.
Scientists hope future studies using the James Webb Space Telescope will help determine what gases make up the atmosphere and whether it is temporary or continuously replenished from beneath the object’s frozen surface.
Follow us on Instagram: @news.tringlobe
