New Object Discovered in the Solar System

Specialists at the Vera Rubin Observatory have discovered a new celestial object beyond Neptune’s orbit, designated 2026 ED138. The discovery is currently attracting significant attention in the scientific community. Although the object was first detected in March this year, it drew particular interest from scientists in October. Further observations helped determine its trajectory more precisely.

The object is currently located about 46 astronomical units from the Sun, or nearly 6.88 billion kilometers away. If its characteristics are confirmed, it could join the group of the largest and brightest dwarf planets beyond Neptune. To qualify as a dwarf planet, an object must orbit the Sun, have enough mass to become nearly spherical, but must not have cleared its orbital neighborhood of other smaller bodies.

The International Astronomical Union currently recognizes Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris as dwarf planets. Additional studies are still needed to accurately determine the newly discovered object’s true size and whether it has sufficient mass.