Atmosphere Detected Around (612533) 2002 XV93

A new study led by Ko Arimatsu of the Japan — National Astronomical Observatory of Japan suggests that (612533) 2002 XV93, a tiny icy world beyond Pluto in the Kuiper belt, harbors a thin atmosphere. This discovery, published in Nature Astronomy, challenges conventional views on atmospheres around small celestial bodies. Observations in 2024 using telescopes in Japan revealed gradual dimming of starlight as (612533) 2002 XV93 passed in front of a background star, indicating an atmosphere 5 million to 10 million times thinner than Earth's. The atmosphere's origin could be volcanic eruptions or a comet strike. Alan Stern of Southwest Research Institute and Luis Ortiz, a Spanish astronomer, called for independent verification, with Ortiz suggesting a ring as an alternative explanation. Future observations, particularly by the James Webb Space Telescope, are crucial for confirming the atmosphere's makeup and origin. Separately, United States — NASA administrator Jared Isaacman commented on reinstating Pluto as a planet, which drew criticism from planetary scientist Adeene Denton due to proposed United States — NASA budget cuts.