Eris (Dwarf Planet)

Image: Eris and moon Dysomnia
Credit: NASA, ESA, and M. Brown
(California Institute of Technology)

Overview

Eris is a Trans-Neptunian dwarf planet with an average distance from the Sun of 67.668AU.

The discovery of Eris prompted the International Astronomical Union to redefine the meaning of what a planet is causing much debate amongst the astronomical community as well as the eventual reclassification of Pluto and Ceres to dwarf planets.

Locating Makemake

Only possible with large obsevatory telescope.

Satellites of Eris

Eris has one known natural satellite and that is a small moon called Dysomnia.

Former Designations

Former designations for Eris were 2003 UB₃₁₃ and Xena.

Vital Statistics

Mean distance from Sun 67.668AU ^[1]

Sidereal Period 560 years

Rotation Period 1.08 ± 0.02 days ^[2]

Mass 0.002794 Earth

Diameter 2400 km ^[3]

Astronomical Symbol

There is no official astronomical symbol for dwarf planet Eris. The above image, created by Denis Moskowitz, is an unofficial symbol representing the dwarf planet Eris ^[4]

References

[1] Space Topics: Trans-Neptunian Objects Dwarf Planet 136199 Eris - http://www.planetary.org/explore/topics/our_solar_system/trans_neptunian_objects/eris.html

[2] Johnston Archive, Eris and Dysomnia - http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/astro/astmoons/am-136199.html

[3] Astronomy Today, Eris The Largest Dwarf Planet - http://www.astronomytoday.com/astronomy/eris.html

[4] Symbols for large trans-Neptunian objects - http://www.suberic.net/~dmm/astro/tno.html

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