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Rubin Observatory spots its first dwarf planet candidate beyond Neptune

Original: "A new pal for Pluto? Rubin Observatory finds its first dwarf planet candidate" by GeekWire / @ alanboyle - Astronomers

Astronomers using the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile have identified the facility's first dwarf planet candidate, designated 2026 ED138, located about 46 astronomical units from the Sun beyond Neptune. The find is being shared as an early sign of the observatory's power to reveal previously hidden icy bodies in the outer solar system, joining Pluto in the dwarf planet category.

Why now: The Vera Rubin Observatory is newly operational, and each early discovery demonstrates its survey capabilities and generates excitement.

Vera Rubin Observatory2026 ED138PlutoGeekWireChile

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Evidence

• "A new pal for Pluto? Rubin Observatory finds its first dwarf planet candidate" by GeekWire / @ alanboyle - Astronomers found in data from @ VRubinObs telescope in Chile a new candidate # DwarfPlanet beyond Neptune, ~46AU from the Sun. It had been designated # 2026ED138 . It's… · AstroHawk@spacey.space · 3

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