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Move over Pluto, a new dwarf planet just dropped. Scientists announced that they’ve likely discovered a tiny new planet beyond Neptune, in the far-out ring of icy and rocky bits called the Kuiper Belt. The possible dwarf planet was spotted by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Flora talks with Matthew Holman, the astrophysicist who made the discovery.
One more thing: The new dwarf planet is currently called 2026 ED138. We think the name needs a little work. What would you call it? Give us a ring at 877-4-SCIFRI.
Check out this animated model of the solar system showing the orbital pathway of newly discovered dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138 (ED138):
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Segment Guests
Matthew Holman
Dr. Matthew Holman is a senior astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
Segment Transcript
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About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.
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Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.