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Tiny Kuiper World Reveals a Global Atmosphere, Redefining Small-Body Atmospheres

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Source: NBC News
Tiny Kuiper World Reveals a Global Atmosphere, Redefining Small-Body Atmospheres
Photo: NBC News
TL;DR

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.

Topics:sciencespace#2002-xv93#astronomy#atmosphere#kuiper-belt#space#stellar-occultation
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  1. Astronomers believe they’ve detected an atmosphere around a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto  NBC News
  2. Atmosphere detected on celestial body in solar system's far reaches  Reuters
  3. A small object past Pluto may have a thin atmosphere  Science News
  4. Scientists Found An 'Impossible' Atmosphere on A Tiny World Beyond Neptune  ScienceAlert
  5. Tiny frozen world unexpectedly appears to have an atmosphere  New Scientist

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