A recent study reveals that a small, icy world beyond Pluto, known as (612533) 2002 XV93, may have a thin atmosphere, possibly formed by volcanic eruptions or a comet impact. This object, only about 300 miles across, is the smallest known in the solar system to have a detectable atmosphere held by gravity. If confirmed, it would be the second object beyond Neptune, after Pluto, to possess an atmosphere. The discovery, made using telescopes in Japan, challenges the belief that atmospheres are exclusive to larger celestial bodies. The atmosphere is estimated to be 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth’s and could consist of methane, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide. Further observations, particularly by NASA’s Webb Space Telescope, are needed to confirm these findings. This discovery provides new insights into the distant, cold objects of the Kuiper Belt, expanding our understanding of the solar system’s smaller worlds.
QUESTION: How might the discovery of an atmosphere on such a small object change our understanding of atmospheres in the solar system?
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
