News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

New Object Beyond Pluto Could Be a Dwarf Planet

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Astronomers using data from the Rubin Observatory have identified a possible dwarf planet called 2026 ED138. The object is currently farther from the Sun than Pluto, the observatory said in an announcement on October 27.

The team estimates that it is between 600 and 1,500 kilometres across. That wide range depends on how much light its surface reflects. Further observations are needed to determine its size and whether it is a dwarf planet.

Source: Vera C. Rubin Observatory, 2026-10-27. https://rubinobservatory.org/news/rubin-first-dwarf-planet-candidate

Read and practise

1. Why is the size estimate a wide range?

   1. Its distance from the Sun has not been estimated
   2. The estimated size depends on how much light its surface reflects
   3. The object changes its size every day

2. How does the announcement describe 2026 ED138?

   1. A confirmed dwarf planet
   2. An object not yet observed
   3. A possible dwarf planet

Your turn

Explain what is known about 2026 ED138’s location and what scientists still need to check.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/rubin-dwarf-planet-candidate-ed138-october-2026/level-2/