Historic discovery in deep space: 2026 ED138 hiding beyond Pluto may be classified as a dwarf planet

In the world of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science and space exploration, a historic discovery has been made public that will radically change the map of the outer limits of the Solar System. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which started its 10-year deep space scanning mission just a few months ago, detected a huge celestial object in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Pluto.

IT MOVES IN A MORE INCLINED ORBIT THAN PLUTO

Astrophysics Center experts Dr. The celestial body discovered by the team led by Matthew Holman is located 46 astronomical units (AU) away from the Sun. The orbital structure of the structure, which is 46 times the distance between the Sun and the Earth, also attracts attention.

While Pluto's orbital inclination is 17 degrees, the orbit of 2026 ED138 was determined to be 25 degrees inclined. Scientists estimate that this high tilt is caused by gravitational interactions with the giant gas planet Neptune in the past.

IT REACHES 1,500 KILOMETERS IN DIAMETER: IT MAY HAVE A Spherical Structure

Although there are more than 6 thousand known celestial bodies in the trans-Neptunian region (TNO), only four of them (Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris) have dwarf planet status. In order for a celestial body to be considered a dwarf planet, it must be large enough to take a spherical (round) shape with its own gravity.

Brightness and distance analyzes showed that the diameter of 2026 ED138 varies between 600 and 1,500 kilometers. This size is considered sufficient for the celestial body to form a spherical structure and be considered the 6th dwarf planet of the Solar System, after Pluto and Eris.

INFRARED OBSERVATIONS WILL BE MADE FOR CONFIRMATION

Dr. Matthew Holman and Rubin Solar System Chief Scientist Mario Jurić stated that additional observations, especially in the infrared wavelength, will be made to confirm the discovery.

Experts state that the Rubin Observatory will scan the southern sky uninterruptedly for the next 10 years and that dozens more dwarf planet candidates waiting to be discovered in the dark borders of the Solar System will be brought to light.