New dwarf planet candidate discovered beyond Pluto
The short version
- The object, provisionally named ED138 or 2026 ED138, was detected beyond Pluto's orbit.
- It is located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy and rocky bodies past Neptune.
- The discovery was made using a telescope in Chile, likely the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
- Scientists consider it a possible dwarf planet candidate based on its size and orbit.
- This is one of the first discoveries made by the new Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
What we don’t know yet
- The exact size and mass of the object are not yet confirmed.
- Whether it meets all criteria to be classified as a dwarf planet remains uncertain.
- The final name and official classification will depend on further observations.
Does this story matter to you?
Coverage compared
Centre · 2
How coverage grew
First reported by The New York Times A New Dwarf Planet (Probably) Spotted Beyond Pluto
The Straits Times Possible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
New York Post Giant new dwarf planet discovered in our own solar system — hiding in plain sight
CTV News ‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto
All 5 articles
- The Times of India, right-leaningWhat qualifies as a planet? Icy object beyond Pluto reignites debate
- CTV News, centre‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto
- New York Post, right-leaningGiant new dwarf planet discovered in our own solar system — hiding in plain sight
- The Straits Times, centrePossible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
- The New York Times, left-leaningA New Dwarf Planet (Probably) Spotted Beyond Pluto