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New dwarf planet candidate discovered in our solar system
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Astronomers have identified a new dwarf planet candidate, provisionally named ED138, located beyond Pluto's orbit, detected by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile using its advanced digital camera.
- ED138's estimated diameter ranges between 600 and 1,500 kilometers, potentially making it larger than Ceres, and it orbits the sun at about 46 astronomical units, classifying it as a trans-Neptunian object.
- The discovery was confirmed through extensive data analysis dating back 10 years, but ED138's official dwarf planet status awaits further size measurements expected in the coming months.
- ED138 had remained undetected due to its position in the southern hemisphere and its location against the dense star field of the Milky Way, which complicates observations.
- If confirmed, ED138 will join the five recognized dwarf planets and may eventually receive a permanent number and name, with further studies needed to understand its physical characteristics and potential similarities to Pluto.
