Rubin Observatory reveals its first dwarf planet candidate in our solar system
Astronomers have identified a new dwarf planet candidate, 2026 ED138, using data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The object is one of the largest trans-Neptunian bodies discovered in the last two decades.
Why it matters
Represents a significant advancement in solar system mapping and our understanding of distant icy bodies beyond Neptune.
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Add to Preferred Sources A view of the solar system showing the orbital pathway of dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138, discovered in data from the Simonyi Survey telescope at the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Credit: NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA/R. Proctor Scientists may add a new dwarf planet to the official roster of our solar system. The distant, icy body, provisionally dubbed 2026 ED138, orbits our system beyond Pluto. It was spotted earlier this month by a scientist combing through data from the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
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