Thin Atmosphere Detected on Distant Kuiper Belt Object Beyond Pluto
A recent study has identified a thin atmosphere around a trans-Neptunian object (TNO) known as (612533) 2002 XV93, located in the Kuiper Belt beyond Pluto. This object, approximately 300 miles in diameter, is the smallest known to have a global atmosphere. The atmosphere is believed to be composed of methane, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide and is significantly thinner than Earth's and Pluto's. The discovery was made by Ko Arimatsu and his team from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, who observed the object during a stellar occultation event. This finding challenges the conventional view that atmospheres are limited to larger celestial bodies. 
