Home / Science / Tiny World's Thin Atmosphere Puzzles Scientists
Tiny World's Thin Atmosphere Puzzles Scientists
22 Jun
Summary
- A small Kuiper Belt object, 2002 XV93, shows signs of a thin atmosphere.
- This object is much smaller than Pluto, defying typical atmospheric retention beliefs.
- The atmosphere's presence suggests recent formation or an unusual replenishment source.
Astronomers have discovered evidence of a thin atmosphere surrounding a small icy object in the Kuiper Belt, named (612533) 2002 XV93. This finding, reported by BBC, could significantly alter current theories on the behavior and evolution of distant Solar System bodies.
The object, measuring approximately 500 kilometers across, is considerably smaller than Pluto. Scientists generally believe such small bodies lack the gravitational pull to sustain an atmosphere over extended periods.
Researchers observed 2002 XV93 using a stellar occultation event in January 2024. The way it dimmed starlight suggested the presence of gas, unlike the sharp light cutoff expected for an atmosphere-less object.
The detected atmosphere is too short-lived to persist without constant replenishment, implying it formed recently or is sustained by an unusual process. However, the James Webb Space Telescope found no surface gases that could account for this. Two theories propose gas release from the object's interior or a recent comet impact as possible explanations.
This marks the first detection of a potential atmosphere around a trans-Neptunian object other than Pluto. Further studies are planned to understand its formation and implications for other icy worlds.
