Astronomers detect an atmosphere around a mini Pluto
AP News • • science
Key Points:
- A new study reveals that the minor planet (612533) 2002 XV93, a small icy world beyond Pluto, has a thin atmosphere possibly formed by volcanic activity or a comet impact.
- At about 300 miles across, it is the smallest solar system object with a detected global atmosphere bound by gravity, challenging the belief that atmospheres only exist on larger planets and moons.
- Observations were made using three Japanese telescopes in 2024 during a stellar occultation, showing an atmosphere 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth's and 50 to 100 times thinner than Pluto's.
- The atmosphere likely contains methane, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide, with future observations by NASA’s Webb Space Telescope needed to confirm its composition and origin.
- Researchers suggest that if the atmosphere fades over time, it may have resulted from an impact, while persistence or seasonal variation would indicate ongoing gas emissions from ice volcanoes.
