A small icy world only 500 kilometers wide, located in the Kuiper belt in an orbit similar to Pluto's, has challenged previous ideas about the limits of the solar system. Named Quaoar, this object has shown signs of possessing an atmosphere, a feature once considered impossible for low-gravity bodies. The finding suggests that other distant, cold worlds might harbor gaseous envelopes.
The detection method and the gases that compose it 🌌
Astronomers detected this possible atmosphere through a subtle dimming in Quaoar's light, an effect indicating the presence of a gaseous layer. This envelope is believed to be extremely tenuous, composed of gases like methane or nitrogen, similar to those on Pluto. The object's low gravity makes retaining these gases a challenge, forcing scientists to rethink models of atmospheric evolution on small bodies. The research aims to confirm the exact composition and thickness of this layer.
Quaoar: the small world that didn't know it couldn't have air 😄
It seems Quaoar didn't care about the rules of planetary physics. At only 500 km in diameter, this icy world decided to have its own atmosphere, as if it were a mini-Pluto but with fewer pretensions. Scientists now wonder if other Kuiper belt objects are also doing the same thing in secret. At least Quaoar won't have to worry about climate change: its atmosphere is so thin it barely amounts to a sigh.