Scientists discover mysterious dwarf planet candidate beyond Pluto

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious object beyond Pluto that could become the sixth officially recognised dwarf planet in the solar system.

The object, provisionally named 2026 ED138, was detected using observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.

According to CNN, the discovery could significantly expand scientists’ understanding of the solar system’s distant regions.

Researchers estimate that ED138 measures between 600 and 1,500 kilometres across, potentially making it one of the largest dwarf planet candidates discovered beyond Neptune.

Astronomer Matthew Holman identified the object on October 13 while analysing telescope data.

“My first reaction was one of excited disbelief,” Holman said.

“Objects like this are very rare, so I immediately started checking whether I or the code had done something wrong.”

Scientists said further observations are necessary to confirm its classification.

If confirmed, ED138 would join Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea and Makemake as the solar system’s six officially recognised dwarf planets.