‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto

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1. 1h ago

   Astronomers Find Potential Dwarf Planet Beyond Pluto

   Astronomers utilizing the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have identified a new dwarf planet candidate located beyond the orbit of Pluto. Provisionally named 2026 ED138, the distant object orbits about 47 astronomical units out and may measure between 612 and 1,530 kilometers across, though its exact size depends on an unmeasured albedo. Experts note the large celestial body remained hidden in images for nearly a decade before its recent detection. Scientists suggest that finding this massive object indicates there could be many more similar bodies waiting to be discovered in the outer reaches of the solar system.

   Why it matters

   The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is operated jointly by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. The discovery of 2026 ED138 expands our understanding of the distant outer solar system beyond Neptune and Pluto. Researchers are currently working to better understand the physical characteristics of this newly revealed candidate world.

   What is confirmed

   • Astronomers using the Rubin Observatory discovered a new dwarf planet candidate lying just beyond the orbit of Pluto.
   • The object is provisionally named 2026 ED138.
   • The candidate object orbits beyond Pluto at about 47 au.
   • The size of 2026 ED138 is estimated to be between 612 and 1,530 km, depending on its unmeasured albedo.
   • The object remained undetected in images for nearly a decade.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The object could be among the largest dwarf planets in our solar system.

   What to watch next

   • Precise measurements of the object's size and albedo by astronomers.
   • Further analysis of Rubin Observatory data to search for similar distant solar system objects.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. earthsky.org — New dwarf planet discovered by Rubin? - EarthSky
   2. BBC Sky at Night Magazine — Scientists have found an enormous new dwarf planet beyond Pluto. And there could be many more
   3. Rubin Observatory — NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Reveals Its First Dwarf Planet Candidate in Our Solar System
   4. National Geographic — Astronomers Just Discovered a New Hidden World Beyond Neptune
   5. Reuters — Possible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
   6. The New York Times — A New Dwarf Planet (Probably) Spotted Beyond Pluto
   7. CNN — ‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto
   8. Space — Astronomers found a mysterious object beyond Neptune, and it could be a new dwarf planet
   9. Sky & Telescope — Possible New Dwarf Planet in the Solar System
   10. www.rnz.co.nz — ‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a ...
   11. www.foxnews.com — New dwarf planet candidate ED138 spotted beyond Pluto by ...
   12. www.natureworldnews.com — New Dwarf Planet Candidate Beyond Pluto May Be Bigger Than ...
   confidence 100%