Tiny Kuiper Belt World May Harbor a Real Atmosphere
TL;DR
Astronomers report evidence of a surprisingly thin atmosphere around the Kuiper Belt object (612533) 2002 XV93, a small icy body about 500 km across. If confirmed, the atmosphere would be extremely tenuous—roughly 5–10 million times thinner than Earth's—and may last under 1,000 years unless replenished. Independent verification is urged, with future JWST observations expected to help determine whether the atmosphere persists (suggesting a long‑term gas source) or fades (potentially from a recent impact).
- Scientists spot icy object beyond Pluto with an atmosphere that shouldn't be there Live Science
- Thin atmosphere detected around distant object beyond Pluto CNN
- Astronomers believe they’ve detected an atmosphere around a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto NBC News
- Detection of an atmosphere on a trans-Neptunian object beyond Pluto nature.com
- Outer Solar System Object Has an Atmosphere But Shouldn’t | NAOJ - National Astronomical Observatory of Japan nao.ac.jp
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