Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Astronomers believe they've detected an atmosphere around a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto

Astronomers believe they've detected an atmosphere around a tiny, icy world beyond Pluto

Summary

Scientists have found evidence that a very small, icy object beyond Pluto has a thin atmosphere. This atmosphere might have formed because of volcanic activity or a comet hitting the object.

Key Facts

  • The object is about 300 miles (500 kilometers) wide.
  • It is the smallest known object in our solar system with a global atmosphere held by gravity.
  • The atmosphere could have been created by volcanic eruptions or a comet impact.
  • The research was led by Ko Arimatsu from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
  • Alan Stern, a NASA scientist who led the New Horizons Pluto mission, said the findings need independent confirmation.
  • If confirmed, this discovery could have important scientific consequences.
Read the Full Article

This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.