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Possible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
Reuters • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile have identified a new icy object, 2026 ED138, orbiting beyond Pluto that could be classified as a dwarf planet.
- The object is estimated to be between 370 and 930 miles (600 to 1,500 km) in diameter and orbits about 46 times farther from the sun than Earth, slightly beyond Pluto's average distance.
- Confirmation of its dwarf planet status requires further observations to determine if 2026 ED138 has sufficient mass to be round, a key criterion for dwarf planets.
- If confirmed, 2026 ED138 would join five other recognized dwarf planets, including Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and Ceres, potentially ranking among the largest.
- Researchers plan to use additional telescopes like ALMA to measure the object's size more accurately by detecting its emitted light, aiding in confirming its classification.
