Research
A giant icy world hiding beyond Pluto could be our sixth dwarf planet
The Brief
- Astronomers report a potentially large icy object beyond Pluto, designated 2026 ED138, that was hidden for years in a crowded region of the night sky.
- The object is a candidate for the solar system's sixth dwarf planet; its status has not been confirmed in the provided source.
- The discovery is reported by ScienceDaily, based on a release dated 2026-11-12.
Why it matters
If confirmed, 2026 ED138 would expand the official dwarf planet family and suggest more undiscovered icy worlds may lie beyond Neptune.
Who’s affected
- astronomers studying trans-Neptunian objects
- planetary scientists and solar system researchers
- #dwarf planet
- #trans-neptunian objects
- #solar system
- #astronomy
- #kuiper belt
Astronomers have uncovered a potentially enormous new dwarf planet beyond Pluto, hidden for years in one of the most crowded regions of the night sky. The discovery of 2026 ED138 could expand the solar system's official dwarf planet family and hints that more mysterious worlds…
Timeline
Discovery of 2026 ED138 reported in ScienceDaily release
Space & Time News -- ScienceDaily
A giant icy world hiding beyond Pluto could be our sixth dwarf planet