A new dwarf planet may have been discovered by the PLUTO mission.
Scientists, using a telescope in Chile, have discovered a frozen object orbiting in the same path as Pluto. It has been named 2026 ED138, and its diameter is estimated to be between 600 and 1500 kilometers. Further observations are needed to confirm its status as a dwarf planet.
Astronomers have discovered a frozen object beyond Pluto's orbit that could be a new dwarf planet. The discovery was made using a telescope located on Cerro Pachón mountain in Chile.
The object has been given the designation 2026 ED138. Scientists estimate its diameter to be between 600 and 1500 kilometers. In order for 2026 ED138 to be classified as a dwarf planet, it must be proven that its own gravity has given it a round shape. Currently, all the data suggests this is the case.
Currently, in our solar system, there are five dwarf planets known: Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, which orbit beyond Neptune's orbit, as well as Ceres, which is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.