#nature-astronomy

All articles tagged with "nature-astronomy"

Astronomers Detect First Pluto Cousin With Thin Atmosphere

A Thin Atmosphere Found Around a Pluto Cousin Is Rewriting Assumptions About the Outer Solar System

Astronomers have identified a trans-Neptunian object beyond Pluto with a thin atmosphere, the first confirmed case of its kind outside Pluto and a sign that the outer solar system may be more active than once believed.

Key Takeaways

Scientists confirmed a thin atmosphere around trans-Neptunian object 2002 XV93.
It is the first such object beyond Pluto known to have an atmosphere.

DT Editorial Team·May 4, 2026·via gizmodo.com

China Eyes Rimae Bode as Landing Site for First Crewed Moon Mission

New research identifies Rimae Bode on the lunar near side as the priority landing site for China's first crewed moon mission, calling it a 'geological museum' with five distinct terrain types.

Key Takeaways

Rimae Bode identified as priority site for China's first crewed moon landing
Region contains five distinct terrain types in one accessible area

DT Editorial Team·Mar 10, 2026·4 min read·via phys.org