Astronomers discover a small icy object beyond Neptune with an atmosphere

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:15:00 +0200

Astronomers have identified a small, icy celestial body located beyond Neptune, which has been informally dubbed a 'mini-Pluto'. This discovery is significant because it adds to our understanding of the distant reaches of the solar system and the types of objects that inhabit it. The newly found object exhibits an atmosphere, a rare feature for bodies of its size in this region. Scientists suggest that studying this ice world could provide valuable insights into planetary formation and atmospheric development in extreme environments. The discovery was made possible through advanced telescopic observations and analysis of the object's movement and composition. While much remains unknown about its exact characteristics, the presence of an atmosphere indicates the object may have more complex processes than previously expected in distant solar system objects. The finding highlights the continued importance of exploring the outer solar system to uncover small, distant worlds that could res