An atmosphere has been discovered for the first time on the small planet 2002 XV93, beyond the orbit of Neptune. It has become the second trans-Neptunian object, after Pluto, to have a gas layer. The discovery was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Japanese astronomers, led by Ko Arimatsu, conducted the research. The planet is about 488 km in diameter, its surface is dark, and its composition is likely to be frozen gases. The atmosphere was discovered during a stellar eclipse in 2024. Scientists observed how starlight passed by the planet, and these data showed the presence of a thin gas layer.
According to scientists, this atmosphere is 5–10 million times thinner than Earth’s atmosphere and should quickly disperse into space. It is likely preserved by processes within the planet or formed after a comet collision. Further studies should clarify its true origin.
