Fragile Atmosphere Detected on Tiny Kuiper World 2002 XV93

Astronomers using stellar occultations detected a very thin atmosphere around the small trans-Neptunian object 2002 XV93, making it only the second TNO known to have an atmosphere after Pluto. The atmosphere is about 5–10 million times thinner than Earth's and is expected to vanish within 100–1,000 years unless replenished, possibly by cryovolcanic activity beneath the icy surface or by a recent impact. Observations via occultation are ongoing, with JWST follow-up planned to determine its composition and whether the atmosphere is fading or replenished.