Tiny Kuiper World Reveals a Global Atmosphere, Redefining Small-Body Atmospheres
TL;DR Summary
Astronomers using a 2024 stellar occultation detected a very thin, global atmosphere around the tiny icy Kuiper Belt object (612533) 2002 XV93, suggesting atmospheres can exist on small bodies and hinting at possible internal gas sources or surface outgassing; further observations are needed to verify and characterize its composition.
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