Trans-Neptunian object 2002 XV 93 is found to have a thin atmosphere
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 5
Trans-Neptunian object 2002 XV 93 is found to have a thin atmosphere
8 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 5
Ko Arimatsu's team inferred the exosphere from a 10 January 2024 stellar occultation observed from four sites in Japan, estimating surface pressure at 100 to 200 nanobars.
The 500km-wide plutino is far smaller than Pluto, and Webb had previously found no surface nitrogen, methane or carbon monoxide ice to explain the gases.
Researchers say a recent impact or cryovolcanism could be responsible, and follow-up monitoring and Webb observations may reveal the atmosphere's composition and whether it is fading or being replenished.
Is a tiny, frozen world's new atmosphere from a cosmic crash or hidden ice volcanoes?
If tiny worlds can have atmospheres, how many more active planets are hiding in our solar system?
Discovery of a Tenuous Atmosphere Around Kuiper Belt Object (612533) 2002 XV93: Implications and Origin Hypotheses
Overview
On January 10, 2024, astronomers discovered a thin atmosphere around the small Kuiper Belt Object 2002 XV93 by observing a stellar occultation with a network of Japanese observatories. The atmosphere, made of volatile ices like methane and nitrogen, has a very low surface pressure and challenges the belief that only large distant objects can hold atmospheres. This creates a retention paradox since 2002 XV93's weak gravity should let the atmosphere escape quickly. Scientists propose two explanations: ongoing cryovolcanic activity releasing gases or a recent impact that temporarily created the atmosphere. This finding reveals the Kuiper Belt is more dynamic than thought and motivates future observations and missions to study these distant icy worlds.