Detection of an atmosphere on a trans-Neptunian object beyond Pluto
Jun-ichi Watanabe
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 04 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02846-1 A stellar occultation campaign reveals a thin atmosphere around the plutino 2002 XV93, showing that even a modest-sized trans-Neptunian object can host an atmosphere, perhaps through cryovolcanism or a recent impact.