Surface and atmosphere Eris (dwarf planet)

the infrared spectrum of eris, compared of pluto, shows marked similarities between 2 bodies. arrows denote methane absorption lines.

the discovery team followed initial identification of eris spectroscopic observations made @ 8 m gemini north telescope in hawaii on january 25, 2005. infrared light object revealed presence of methane ice, indicating surface may similar of pluto, @ time tno known have surface methane, , of neptune s moon triton, has methane on surface. no surface details can resolved earth or orbit instrument available.

due eris s distant eccentric orbit, surface temperature estimated vary between 30 , 56 k (−243.2 , −217.2 °c).

unlike reddish pluto , triton, eris appears white. pluto s reddish color thought due deposits of tholins on surface, , these deposits darken surface, lower albedo leads higher temperatures , evaporation of methane deposits. in contrast, eris far enough sun methane can condense onto surface albedo low. condensation of methane uniformly on surface reduces albedo contrasts , cover deposits of red tholins.

even though eris can 3 times farther sun pluto, approaches close enough of ices on surface might warm enough sublime. because methane highly volatile, presence shows either eris has resided in distant reaches of solar system, cold enough methane ice persist, or celestial body has internal source of methane replenish gas escapes atmosphere. contrasts observations of discovered tno, haumea, reveal presence of water ice not methane.