Icy object beyond Pluto has an atmosphere that shouldn't exist, study suggests
Live Science • • science
Key Points:
- Japanese astronomers have detected a thin atmosphere around the Kuiper Belt object (612533) 2002 XV93, which is surprising given its small size and cold temperature, as reported in Nature Astronomy.
- The object, about 311 miles across and over four times smaller than Pluto, was observed passing in front of a star, with data indicating starlight attenuation consistent with a very thin atmosphere.
- This atmosphere is estimated to be 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth's and may not be permanent, potentially lasting less than 1,000 years unless replenished by internal or external processes.
- Scientists speculate the atmosphere could arise from cryovolcanism or a recent impact event, but no frozen gases have been detected on the object's surface to explain sublimation.
- Follow-up observations, especially with the James Webb Space Telescope, are critical to verify the findings and understand the atmosphere's origin and longevity.
