Tiny Space Rock With Atmosphere Stuns Scientists
DOGO News • • science
Key Points:
- Astronomers have discovered that the Kuiper Belt object 2002 XV93, only about 310 miles wide, possesses its own atmosphere, challenging previous beliefs that such small bodies cannot retain gases.
- The finding was made using stellar occultation, where the gradual fading of a star's light as 2002 XV93 passed in front indicated the presence of surrounding gas.
- This discovery suggests global dense atmospheres may form on smaller bodies than previously thought, expanding our understanding of atmospheric formation in the outer solar system.
- The origin of the atmosphere is uncertain, with hypotheses including ice volcanoes releasing gases or a recent impact event freeing trapped gases, potentially making the atmosphere temporary.
- The composition of the atmosphere remains unknown but may include methane or nitrogen; the study was published in Nature Astronomy on May 6, 2026.