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The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has discovered a new Dwarf Planet candidate in our solar system - 2026 ED138, a large, bright trans-Neptunian object orbiting beyond Pluto.

Distance from Sun: ~46 au (1 au is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. Pluto has an average distance of 40 au)
Orbital tilt: 25°
Diameter: 600 - 1500 km

If confirmed, ED138 would be among the largest dwarf planets ever discovered in this region of the Solar System.

https://rubinobservatory.org/news/rubin-first-dwarf-planet-candidate
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A view of the Solar System showing the orbital pathway of newly discovered dwarf planet candidate 2026 ED138 (ED138). 

The candidate is shown here at its location on 8 May 2026. The model also shows the orbits of the five dwarf planets recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU): Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake.

Credit:

NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA/R. Proctor

Image Processing: M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)

Orbit data provided by the IAU Minor Planet Ce
rubinobservatory.orgNSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Reveals Its First Dwarf Planet Candidate in Our Solar System | Rubin ObservatoryIn the outer reaches of our Solar System, beyond the orbit of Pluto, NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory has spotted 2026 ED138 — a large, bright trans-Neptunian object that scientists have identified as a dwarf planet candidate. The observations were announced today by the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center (MPC). If confirmed, ED138 would be among the largest dwarf planets ever d
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Oct 27, 2026 · 22:28 UTC

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