science • May. 4, 2026
Astronomers Discover Possible Atmosphere Around Distant Icy World Beyond Pluto
Astronomers believe they have identified evidence of a thin atmosphere surrounding a small icy object located beyond Pluto, offering new insights into distant solar system bodies and the evolving understanding of extreme outer space environments.
By Victor V. Haley
Published May. 4, 2026
Scientists have discovered evidence that a tiny icy world located beyond Pluto may have a very thin atmosphere, possibly created by volcanic activity or the impact of a comet. The object, known as 2002 XV93, is only about 500 kilometers wide, making it one of the smallest known bodies in the solar system with a detectable atmosphere held by gravity. Researchers say the discovery could change how scientists understand small worlds in deep space.
The study was led by astronomer Ko Arimatsu and his team in Japan. Using three telescopes, researchers observed the distant object in 2024 as it passed in front of a star. During the event, the starlight dimmed in a way that suggested the presence of a thin atmosphere surrounding the icy body.
Experts believe the atmosphere is extremely weak — millions of times thinner than Earth’s atmosphere and much thinner than Pluto’s. Possible gases include methane, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide. The object belongs to a group called “plutinos,” icy bodies that orbit the sun in a pattern linked to Neptune’s orbit.
At the time of observation, 2002 XV93 was located more than 5.5 billion kilometers away from Earth, farther than Pluto itself. Researchers say the discovery is surprising because atmospheres were previously thought to exist mainly around larger planets, dwarf planets, or moons. The findings suggest even very small icy worlds may be able to develop and maintain thin atmospheres under certain conditions.
Scientists now hope future observations, including studies using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, will help confirm the atmosphere’s composition and determine whether it was caused by volcanic activity inside the object or by a recent impact event. Researchers say continued monitoring will be important. If the atmosphere disappears over time, it could support the idea of a temporary atmosphere created by a collision.
If it remains stable or changes with seasons, it may indicate ongoing activity beneath the icy surface..
