Story perspectives

Japanese Team Detects Ultra-Thin Atmosphere on Kuiper Belt Object

5/11/2026

47 11

Summary

Story summary

Japanese astronomers detected a thin atmosphere on Kuiper Belt object (612533) 2002 XV93.
A stellar occultation on 10 January 2024 dimmed a star for 1.5 seconds, revealing the atmosphere.
The atmospheric pressure is estimated 5–10 million times thinner than Earth’s and 50–100 times thinner than Pluto’s.
Researchers propose a recent comet impact or cryovolcanic venting as the atmosphere’s origin.
James Webb observations and future occultations will test whether the atmosphere fades or persists.

1 of 1

Story summary

Japanese astronomers detected a thin atmosphere on Kuiper Belt object (612533) 2002 XV93.
A stellar occultation on 10 January 2024 dimmed a star for 1.5 seconds, revealing the atmosphere.
The atmospheric pressure is estimated 5–10 million times thinner than Earth’s and 50–100 times thinner than Pluto’s.
Researchers propose a recent comet impact or cryovolcanic venting as the atmosphere’s origin.
James Webb observations and future occultations will test whether the atmosphere fades or persists.