Possible atmosphere detected on small trans-Neptunian object
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Astronomers have detected a possible atmosphere on a small trans-Neptunian object named 2002 XV93, which is surprising given its size and distance from the sun. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the capabilities of such icy bodies to retain gases. The atmosphere, if confirmed, is estimated to be extremely thin, potentially lasting less than 1,000 years without replenishment.
- ▪2002 XV93 is a tiny celestial body located beyond Pluto in the Kuiper Belt.
- ▪Researchers observed a smooth change in starlight during an eclipse, suggesting the presence of a thin atmosphere.
- ▪The atmosphere is estimated to be 5 million to 10 million times thinner than Earth's atmosphere.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
This Tiny Celestial Body Past Pluto Shouldn’t Have an Atmosphere—but Astronomers Say They May Have Detected One Worlds this small and distant are thought to be too cold and have too little surface gravity to hold onto gases. But the findings suggest that icy, rocky objects in the solar system’s outer reaches are more dynamic than we thought Margherita Bassi | Daily Correspondent May 8, 2026 ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source Illustration of a time sequence as the celestial body moves in front of a distant star NAOJ A tiny, icy celestial body farther from the sun than Pluto seems to have something it shouldn’t: an atmosphere. Researchers don’t expect such a minuscule, distant world to cling to gases.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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