Technology
Telescope in Chile spots icy body beyond Pluto
The Hindu BusinessLine·
Scientists using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile identified icy object 2026 ED138 orbiting about 46 times farther from the sun than Earth, with an estimated diameter of roughly 370 to 930 miles. Pluto orbits at about 40 times Earth's distance. Further observations are needed to confirm dwarf planet status; five dwarf planets are currently recognised.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Sky watchers may hear more Rubin discoveries as the Chile telescope survey continues beyond this candidate.
- Matt Holman first spotted 2026 ED138 with Rubin Observatory data; ALMA observations may refine size.
- The IAU lists five dwarf planets including Pluto and Ceres.
What's Happening
- Matt Holman first spotted 2026 ED138 with Rubin Observatory data; ALMA observations may refine size.
- The IAU lists five dwarf planets including Pluto and Ceres.
- Holman said reflected sunlight alone cannot fix size; ALMA thermal emissions help distinguish small bright objects from larger dull ones.
Rubin Observatory on Cerro Pachón
- Holman said reflected sunlight alone cannot fix size; ALMA thermal emissions help distinguish small bright objects from larger dull ones.
- Matt Holman first spotted 2026 ED138 with Rubin Observatory data; ALMA observations may refine size.
- The IAU lists five dwarf planets including Pluto and Ceres.
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