Potential new dwarf planet found by Harvard astrophysicists - WGBH
Harvard astrophysicists have identified a potential new dwarf planet, designated 2026 ED138, in the outer solar system. The object is one of the brightest discovered in decades and is currently being studied to determine its size and composition.
Why it matters
Expands scientific understanding of the outer solar system and the classification of celestial bodies.
This image shows the orbital pathway of newly discovered dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138 (ED138), as observed by NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This image is a composite of multiple images captured by Rubin between 4 March and 11 July 2026 at intervals indicated by the teal circles. ED138 is visible at the center of each circle. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory NSF's NOIRLab Craig LeMoult clemoult Craig LeMoult is a reporter for GBH News. Feedback? Questions? Story ideas? Reach out to Craig at craig.lemoult@gbh.org. October 27, 2026 Updated October 28, 2026 Astrophysicists from Harvard University have found what they believe is a previously undiscovered dwarf planet in our own solar system.
The object, which the scientists say is probably between 600 and 1,500 kilometers in diameter, is one of the brightest objects discovered in the solar system in decades.
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