Webb Finds 27 Faint Trans-Neptunian Objects, Fewer Than Models Predicted

Astronomers combined Hubble and Webb observations for the first time to study trans-Neptunian objects. Webb found 27 faint bodies, including the smallest observed at about 5 km, fewer than models predicted, with colors indicating preserved formation traces.

• Webb found 27 faint trans-Neptunian objects, smallest about 5 km
• Objects are 100 million times fainter than visible to the eye, 5x below ground telescope limit
• "Cold" and "hot" groups showed the same size distribution
• Small objects' colors matched larger ones, preserving formation traces