Post #2019503
2026-05-05 14:15 UTC
@hfalcke
“Calculations show that the atmosphere found around 2002 XV93 is expected to last less than 1,000 years unless it is replenished. So it must have been created or replenished recently. Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope show no signs of frozen gases on the surface of 2002 XV93 that might sublimate to form an atmosphere.”
1/2
Replies (1)
-
@stepheneb@ruby.social 2026-05-05 14:15
@hfalcke “One possibility is that some event brought frozen or liquid gases from deep inside the TNO to the surface. Another possibility is that a comet crashed into 2002 XV93, releasing gas that formed a temporary atmosphere.” 2/2