Scientists discover potentially massive dwarf planet candidate hiding beyond Pluto
Object 2026 ED138 was spotted beyond Pluto using observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and scientists say it could be among the largest dwarf planets ever found.
TL;DR
- A new dwarf planet candidate, 2026 ED138, has been discovered beyond Pluto by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
- The object is estimated to be between 370 and 930 miles in diameter and could be among the largest dwarf planets ever found.
- Its discovery was made possible by the observatory's advanced technology and its 10-year sky survey.
- ED138 is classified as a trans-Neptunian object and orbits the sun farther than Pluto.
- Scientists will conduct further observations to confirm its size and dwarf planet status.