Is Eris bigger than Earth? Eris, a dwarf planet residing in the outer reaches of our solar system, is significantly smaller than Earth. COMPARE.EDU.VN delves into a detailed comparison of their sizes, orbits, and other fascinating features, offering insights into these celestial bodies. Discover the differences between Eris and Earth, including surface composition, atmospheric conditions, and potential for future exploration, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their unique characteristics with space exploration facts and planetary science.
1. Introduction to Eris
Eris is classified as a dwarf planet, primarily because it does not clear its orbital path of other objects. Discovered in 2005, Eris initially sparked a debate among scientists regarding the definition of a planet, which ultimately led to Pluto’s reclassification. This icy body is named after the Greek goddess of discord, a fitting moniker considering the controversy its discovery stirred within the astronomical community.
2. Discovery of Eris: A Timeline
The discovery of Eris, which was initially nicknamed “Xena,” marked a significant turning point in how we understand the outer solar system.
- January 8, 2005: Scientists announced the discovery of a Pluto-sized object beyond Neptune’s orbit, temporarily named “Xena.” This led to discussions about what defines a planet.
- September 2005: Xena’s moon, nicknamed “Gabriella,” was discovered, adding to the debate about its planetary status.
- August 26, 2006: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined what constitutes a planet, reclassifying Pluto as a dwarf planet and officially recognizing Eris as one as well.
- September 14, 2006: The IAU officially named the dwarf planet Eris, after the Greek goddess of discord, and its moon Dysnomia, after the goddess of lawlessness, further solidifying its place in our solar system.
3. Eris’s Namesake: Mythology and Astronomy
Eris derives its name from the Greek goddess of discord and strife, reflecting the debate it stirred within the scientific community regarding planetary definitions. This naming convention ties into the mythological context, as Eris’s actions often led to significant conflicts, mirroring the scientific discussions surrounding its classification. Dysnomia, Eris’s moon, is named after the demon goddess of lawlessness, further emphasizing the theme of disruption associated with this dwarf planet.
4. Potential for Life on Eris: A Harsh Reality
Given the extreme cold temperatures on Eris, the likelihood of life existing on its surface is exceedingly low. The dwarf planet’s surface is one of the coldest places in the solar system.
5. Size Comparison: How Big Is Eris Compared To Earth?
Eris has an equatorial diameter of approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers), making it roughly one-fifth the width of Earth. Both Eris and Pluto are slightly smaller than Earth’s Moon.
| Celestial Body | Equatorial Diameter (miles) | Equatorial Diameter (kilometers) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth | 7,918 | 12,742 | Reference Point |
| Eris | 1,500 | 2,400 | About 1/5 the width of Earth |
| Earth’s Moon | 2,159 | 3,475 | Eris and Pluto are smaller than Earth’s Moon |
If Earth were the size of a nickel, Eris would be about as big as a popcorn kernel. This size comparison illustrates the vast difference in scale between the two celestial bodies. Understanding these measurements helps in appreciating the relative sizes of objects within our solar system.
6. Distance from the Sun: Faraway Worlds
Eris is located at an average distance of 6.3 billion miles (10 billion kilometers) from the Sun, about 68 astronomical units (AU). One AU is the distance from the Sun to Earth. At this distance, sunlight takes over nine hours to reach Eris.
| Celestial Body | Distance from Sun (AU) | Distance from Sun (miles) | Distance from Sun (kilometers) | Time for Sunlight to Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earth | 1 | 93 million | 150 million | 8 minutes |
| Eris | 68 | 6.3 billion | 10 billion | Over 9 hours |
This vast distance impacts the surface temperature and atmospheric conditions on Eris, contributing to its inhospitable environment. The significant travel time for sunlight highlights the remote location of this dwarf planet in the outer solar system.
7. Orbit and Rotation: A Long Year, A Short Day
Eris takes 557 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun. The plane of Eris’s orbit is significantly tilted relative to the plane of the solar system’s planets and extends far beyond the Kuiper Belt. Eris completes one rotation approximately every 25.9 hours, making its day length similar to Earth’s.
| Feature | Eris | Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Orbital Period | 557 Earth years | 365.25 days |
| Axial Rotation | 25.9 hours | 24 hours |
| Orbital Plane | Highly inclined | Near ecliptic |
| Location | Kuiper Belt | Inner Solar System |
This illustration depicts Eris and its moon Dysnomia set against a backdrop that simulates the solar system as viewed from a great distance.
8. Moons of Eris: Dysnomia, the Lawless
Eris has one known moon, Dysnomia, which orbits Eris in about 16 days. Dysnomia’s orbit is nearly circular, and its discovery has allowed astronomers to calculate the mass of Eris. This moon is named after the demon goddess of lawlessness, daughter of Eris.
| Feature | Dysnomia | Eris |
|---|---|---|
| Orbital Period | ~16 days | 557 Earth years |
| Naming | Goddess of Lawlessness | Goddess of Discord |
| Purpose | Mass calculation | Parent body |
9. Rings Around Eris: Absence of Rings
Currently, there are no known rings around Eris. Observations and studies have not revealed any evidence of a ring system.
10. Formation of Eris: A Kuiper Belt Object
Eris is a member of the Kuiper Belt, a disc-like zone beyond Neptune’s orbit containing thousands of icy bodies. These objects, also known as Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), transneptunian objects, or plutoids, formed early in the solar system’s history, approximately 4.5 billion years ago.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Kuiper Belt, beyond Neptune’s orbit |
| Composition | Icy and rocky bodies |
| Formation Age | Approximately 4.5 billion years ago |
| Alternative Names | Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), transneptunian objects, plutoids |
11. Internal Structure of Eris: Unknown Depths
Little is known about Eris’s internal structure. Due to its distance and small size, directly studying its interior is challenging with current technology.
12. Surface Conditions on Eris: Icy and Cold
Eris likely has a rocky surface, similar to Pluto. Surface temperatures range from about -359 degrees Fahrenheit (-217 degrees Celsius) to -405 degrees Fahrenheit (-243 degrees Celsius).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Likely rocky, similar to Pluto |
| Temperature Range | -359°F to -405°F (-217°C to -243°C) |
13. Atmosphere of Eris: Freeze and Thaw
Eris has an atmosphere that collapses and freezes when it is farthest from the Sun, causing the atmospheric gases to fall to the surface as snow. As Eris approaches the Sun in its orbit, the atmosphere thaws.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Behavior | Collapses and freezes when farthest from the Sun |
| Composition | Gases that freeze and fall as snow |
| Thawing | Occurs when Eris is closest to the Sun |
14. Magnetosphere of Eris: Unexplored Territory
Currently, nothing is known about Eris’s magnetosphere. Further research and exploration are needed to understand this aspect of the dwarf planet.
15. The Planetary Debate: Eris’s Impact on Classification
Eris played a pivotal role in the redefinition of what constitutes a planet. Its discovery highlighted the need for a clear classification system, ultimately leading to the creation of the dwarf planet category and the reclassification of Pluto.
16. What Defines a Planet? The IAU’s Definition
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defines a planet as a celestial body that:
- Orbits the Sun.
- Has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium (a nearly round shape).
- Has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
Dwarf planets meet the first two criteria but have not cleared their orbits, distinguishing them from planets.
17. Kuiper Belt: Eris’s Neighborhood
The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune’s orbit filled with icy bodies, including dwarf planets like Eris and Pluto. It is a vast, unexplored area that holds valuable clues about the formation of our solar system.
18. Comparing Eris and Earth: A Detailed Analysis
To provide a clear understanding of the differences between Eris and Earth, here’s a detailed comparison across various parameters:
18.1. Size and Mass Comparison
Earth is significantly larger and more massive than Eris. Earth’s diameter is about five times that of Eris, and its mass is substantially greater.
| Feature | Earth | Eris | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial Radius | 6,371 km | 1,200 km | Earth is approximately 5.3 times larger |
| Mass | 5.97 × 10^24 kg | 1.66 × 10^22 kg | Earth is about 300 times more massive |
| Volume | 1.08 × 10^12 km^3 | 7.24 × 10^9 km^3 | Earth has approximately 150 times greater volume |
| Density | 5.51 g/cm^3 | 2.30 g/cm^3 | Earth’s density is approximately 2.4 times higher |
18.2. Orbital Characteristics
Eris has a much larger and more eccentric orbit than Earth. Its orbital period is vastly longer, and it is located far beyond the inner solar system.
| Feature | Earth | Eris | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Major Axis | 149.6 million km | 10.19 billion km | Eris’s orbit is about 68 times larger |
| Orbital Period | 365.25 days | 557 Earth years | Eris takes over half a millennium to orbit the Sun |
| Orbital Eccentricity | 0.0167 | 0.44 | Eris’s orbit is much more elliptical |
| Inclination to Ecliptic | 0 degrees | 44 degrees | Eris’s orbit is highly inclined relative to the plane of the solar system |
| Perihelion | 147.1 million km | 5.766 billion km | Eris’s closest approach to the Sun is still much farther than Earth’s orbit |
| Aphelion | 152.1 million km | 14.611 billion km | Eris’s farthest distance from the Sun is immense compared to Earth |
| Average Orbital Speed | 29.78 km/s | 3.43 km/s | Earth moves almost ten times faster in its orbit |
18.3. Surface and Atmospheric Conditions
Earth supports a diverse biosphere with liquid water and a life-sustaining atmosphere. Eris is an extremely cold, icy body with a thin atmosphere that freezes onto its surface.
| Feature | Earth | Eris | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Temperature | -88 to 58°C | -243 to -217°C | Eris is drastically colder |
| Atmosphere | Nitrogen, oxygen, and trace gases | Methane, nitrogen (when near the Sun) | Earth has a dense, breathable atmosphere, while Eris’s is sparse and temporary |
| Surface Composition | Land, water, ice | Primarily ice | Earth has diverse surface features, whereas Eris is predominantly an icy world |
| Liquid Water | Abundant | None | Earth is unique in our solar system for having large amounts of liquid water on its surface |
18.4. Internal Structure and Geology
Earth has a complex internal structure with a molten core and active geology. Eris’s internal structure is largely unknown, but it is believed to have a rocky core and icy mantle.
| Feature | Earth | Eris | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Iron, nickel | Rocky core (likely) | Earth has a well-defined metallic core, while Eris’s core composition is inferred |
| Mantle | Silicate rock | Icy mantle (likely) | Earth’s mantle is rocky, while Eris is believed to have a substantial icy mantle |
| Crust | Oceanic and continental crust | Primarily ice | Earth’s crust is geologically active and diverse, whereas Eris has a static, icy surface |
| Plate Tectonics | Active | None | Earth’s surface is divided into moving plates, which is absent on Eris |
18.5. Presence of Life
Earth is the only known celestial body to harbor life. Eris’s harsh conditions make it highly unlikely to support any form of life.
| Feature | Earth | Eris | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Life | Abundant and diverse life forms | No known life | Earth is teeming with life, while Eris is inhospitable to life as we know it |
| Habitability | Highly habitable | Not habitable | Earth’s conditions are ideal for life, whereas Eris lacks the essential requirements for life |
19. Exploring Eris: Challenges and Future Missions
Exploring Eris poses significant challenges due to its distance and harsh environment. Future missions could potentially provide more detailed information about its surface, atmosphere, and internal structure.
20. Understanding Dwarf Planets: Why They Matter
Studying dwarf planets like Eris helps scientists understand the formation and evolution of the solar system. These distant objects provide valuable insights into the conditions and processes that shaped our planetary neighborhood.
21. Impact on Education and Public Awareness
The story of Eris and its impact on planetary definitions has captured the public’s imagination and provided valuable educational opportunities. It highlights the dynamic nature of science and the ongoing quest to understand our universe.
22. Legacy of Discovery: Eris and Beyond
The discovery of Eris has left a lasting legacy on astronomy and planetary science. It has prompted new research, redefined our understanding of the solar system, and inspired future generations of scientists.
23. Key Differences in a Nutshell
| Feature | Earth | Eris |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Much larger | Significantly smaller |
| Distance from Sun | Closer | Farther |
| Atmosphere | Dense, breathable | Thin, temporary |
| Surface Temperature | Moderate | Extremely cold |
| Potential for Life | High | Very low |
| Location | Inner Solar System | Kuiper Belt |
24. Eris vs. Earth: A Summary Table
| Attribute | Earth | Eris |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Approximately 12,742 km | Approximately 2,400 km |
| Mass | 5.97 × 10^24 kg | 1.66 × 10^22 kg |
| Distance from Sun | 1 AU (149.6 million km) | 68 AU (10 billion km) |
| Orbital Period | 365.25 days | 557 Earth years |
| Surface Temperature | Average 15°C | -217°C to -243°C |
| Atmosphere | Nitrogen and oxygen-rich | Thin, collapses as ice |
| Potential for Life | Supports diverse life forms | Unlikely |
| Notable Feature | Abundant liquid water and diverse ecosystems | Largest dwarf planet, triggered planetary definition debate |
25. FAQs About Eris and Earth
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the comparison between Eris and Earth:
25.1. Is Eris bigger than Pluto?
Yes, Eris is slightly larger than Pluto. Its discovery was a primary factor in the debate that led to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet.
25.2. How cold is Eris?
Eris has an extremely cold surface temperature, ranging from about -359 degrees Fahrenheit (-217 degrees Celsius) to -405 degrees Fahrenheit (-243 degrees Celsius).
25.3. Can humans visit Eris?
Visiting Eris would be incredibly challenging due to its distance, cold temperatures, and lack of atmosphere. It is not currently feasible with existing technology.
25.4. What is the atmosphere of Eris like?
Eris has a thin atmosphere composed of methane and nitrogen. This atmosphere collapses and freezes when Eris is farthest from the Sun.
25.5. How does Eris orbit the Sun compared to Earth?
Eris has a highly eccentric and inclined orbit compared to Earth. It takes 557 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
25.6. Why is Eris called a dwarf planet?
Eris is classified as a dwarf planet because it orbits the Sun, is round due to its gravity, but has not cleared its orbital path of other objects.
25.7. Does Eris have any moons?
Yes, Eris has one known moon named Dysnomia.
25.8. What is the Kuiper Belt?
The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune’s orbit filled with icy bodies, including dwarf planets like Eris and Pluto.
25.9. How did Eris get its name?
Eris is named after the Greek goddess of discord and strife.
25.10. What role did Eris play in defining what a planet is?
The discovery of Eris, which was larger than Pluto, led to a re-evaluation of the definition of a planet, resulting in Pluto being reclassified as a dwarf planet alongside Eris.
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