What qualifies as a planet? Icy object beyond Pluto reignites debate
Astronomers have discovered a new icy object, 2026 ED138, beyond Pluto, sparking renewed debate over the definition of a planet. Scientists are currently working to determine if the object meets the criteria for a dwarf planet, which requires sufficient mass to achieve a nearly round shape.
Why it matters
The discovery challenges our current classification systems for celestial bodies and highlights the ongoing evolution of planetary science.
For years, Pluto held a place among the solar system’s nine planets, until its status changed in 2006. Now, a newly discovered icy object lurking beyond Pluto has reignited interest in the distant worlds at the edge of our solar system and the question of what qualifies as a planet.Named 2026 ED138, the object was detected using the Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile, but further observations are needed to confirm whether it qualifies as a dwarf planet. The discovery was announced at a scientific meeting in Spokane, Washington.Researchers estimate that 2026 ED138 is between 600 and 1,500 km wide and orbits the Sun at a distance roughly 46 times that between Earth and the Sun.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Astronomers Spot Potential New Dwarf Planet Beyond Orbit of Pluto
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Rubin telescope spots possible dwarf planet in outer solar system
‘It’s big’: Astronomers make startling discovery of a possible dwarf planet beyond Pluto - CNN
Telescope spots possible new dwarf planet orbiting beyond Pluto
Scientists spot new dwarf planet candidate beyond Pluto
Hiding in Plain Sight Beyond Pluto: Vera C. Rubin Observatory Discovers Dwarf Planet Candidate 2026 ED138
Rubin Observatory Discovers Possible New Dwarf Planet
Vera C. Rubin Observatory discovers possible new solar system dwarf planet beyond Neptune
Possible New Dwarf Planet Identified Orbiting Beyond Pluto
Possible new dwarf planet identified orbiting beyond Pluto
Astronomers Discover a Possible New Dwarf Planet in Our Solar System
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in