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New Moon Discovery Possible for Dwarf Planet Quaoar

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers Rick Nolthenius and Kirk Bender observed the dwarf planet Quaoar on June 25, 2025, potentially discovering a new moon or a third ring during a stellar occultation.
A brief 1.23-second flicker suggested a new satellite.
Quaoar, discovered in 2002, has one confirmed moon, Weywot.
The new moon, if confirmed, could be at least 19 miles wide.
Nolthenius and Bender will continue observing rare occultations over the next 200 years.

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Story summary

Astronomers Rick Nolthenius and Kirk Bender observed the dwarf planet Quaoar on June 25, 2025, potentially discovering a new moon or a third ring during a stellar occultation.
A brief 1.23-second flicker suggested a new satellite.
Quaoar, discovered in 2002, has one confirmed moon, Weywot.
The new moon, if confirmed, could be at least 19 miles wide.
Nolthenius and Bender will continue observing rare occultations over the next 200 years.