Possible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
Astronomers have identified a potential new dwarf planet, 2026 ED138, orbiting in the outer reaches of the solar system beyond Pluto. The object was discovered using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile and requires further observation for official classification.
Why it matters
The discovery expands our understanding of the solar system's composition and the population of celestial bodies beyond Neptune.
This image shows the orbital pathway of the newly discovered dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138, as observed by the US National Science Foundation/Department of Energy Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This image is a composite of multiple images captured by Rubin between March 4 and July 11, 2026, at intervals indicated by the teal-colored circles. ED138 is visible at the center of each circle. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA/Handout via REUTERS
WASHINGTON, Oct 28 : Scientists using a Chile-based telescope have identified an icy object orbiting beyond Pluto that may join our solar system's small roster of dwarf planets.
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