136199 Eris

Alternative name: Also known as: 2003 UB313

Dwarf Planet
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
1,163km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.66e+22 kg
Volume
6.59e+9 km³
Density
2.52g/cm³
Gravity
0.82m/s²
Escape Velocity
1,380m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
42.0 K (-231.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
1.02e+10km
Perihelion
5.77e+9km
Aphelion
1.46e+10km
Eccentricity
0.441
Inclination
44.045°
Sidereal Orbit
2.36 days
Sidereal Rotation
0.01 hours
Mean Anomaly
205.989°
Argument of Periapsis
151.639°
Longitude of Ascending Node
35.951°

Overview of 136199 Eris

136199 Eris is a fascinating dwarf planet in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 136199 Eris radius of 1,163 km, making it 5.5× smaller than Earth's size, this celestial body presents unique characteristics that distinguish it from other objects in our cosmic neighborhood. Positioned at an average distance of 1.02e+10 km (68.050 AU) from the Sun, 136199 Eris occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture.

Physical Characteristics

The 136199 Eris physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 136199 Eris radius measures 1,163 km, making it 5.5× smaller than Earth's size. The 136199 Eris mass of 1.66e+22 kg represents 359.8× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 6.59e+9 km³, 136199 Eris occupies significant space in the Solar System. The 136199 Eris density of 2.52 g/cm³ (2.2× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.82 m/s² (12.0× smaller than Earth's gravity) determines how objects behave on its surface. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Orbital Properties

The 136199 Eris orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 136199 Eris orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.02e+10 km (68.050 AU), placing it 68.0× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 136199 Eris comes within 5.77e+9 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 1.46e+10 km, creating a 86.7% variation in solar distance. The 136199 Eris orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.441 (26.4× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The 136199 Eris orbit takes 2.36 days to complete (154.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 44.045° indicates how much the 136199 Eris orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests 136199 Eris may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

The 136199 Eris rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 136199 Eris rotation period of 0.01 hours (3324.2× smaller than Earth's rotation period) determines the length of its day. This extremely fast rotation creates intense centrifugal forces and may contribute to the planet's flattened shape. The 136199 Eris axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 136199 Eris experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 136199 Eris's position in space. The mean anomaly of 205.989° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 151.639° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 35.951° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.

Temperature and Atmosphere

The 136199 Eris temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 136199 Eris average temperature of 42.0 K (-231.1 °C) (-384.1°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 136199 Eris inhospitable to life as we know it, with any atmosphere likely frozen solid on the surface. Compared to Earth's average temperature of 15°C (59°F), 136199 Eris presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 136199 Eris receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 136199 Eris escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 136199 Eris escape velocity of 1,380 m/s (8.1× smaller than Earth's escape velocity) determines how easily objects can break free from its gravitational pull. This relatively low escape velocity means that gases and light molecules can easily escape into space, making it difficult for 136199 Eris to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 136199 Eris flattening of 0.0000% indicates how much the planet's rotation affects its shape. This minimal flattening suggests a nearly spherical shape, indicating either slow rotation or a very rigid internal structure.

FAQs About 136199 Eris

What is the gravity on 136199 Eris?

The gravity on 136199 Eris is 0.82 m/s² (12.0× smaller than Earth's gravity). This gravitational force determines how objects behave on the surface, affects atmospheric retention, and influences the planet's ability to hold onto gases and particles. A person weighing 70 kg on Earth would weigh 5.9 kg on 136199 Eris.

How big is 136199 Eris compared to Earth?

136199 Eris has a radius of 1,163 km, making it 5.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 136199 Eris is 0.0× the size of Earth. This size difference significantly impacts the planet's gravity, atmospheric retention, geological processes, and overall planetary characteristics.

What is the average temperature of 136199 Eris?

The average temperature of 136199 Eris is 42.0 K (-231.1 °C) (-384.1°F). This temperature is influenced by factors such as distance from the Sun, atmospheric composition, albedo (reflectivity), and orbital eccentricity. The sub-zero temperatures mean water would exist primarily as ice.

How far is 136199 Eris from the Sun?

136199 Eris orbits at an average distance of 1.02e+10 km (68.050 AU) from the Sun, placing it 68.0× Earth's distance from the Sun. This distance determines the amount of solar radiation the planet receives and significantly influences its temperature and climate.

How long is a year on 136199 Eris?

A year on 136199 Eris lasts 2.36 days (154.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period). This orbital period defines the length of the planet's year and affects seasonal patterns, temperature variations, and the overall climate cycle.

What is the escape velocity of 136199 Eris?

The escape velocity of 136199 Eris is 1,380 m/s (8.1× smaller than Earth's escape velocity). This is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the planet's gravitational pull and enter space. The low escape velocity makes it difficult for the planet to retain an atmosphere.

What is 136199 Eris made of?

136199 Eris has a density of 2.52 g/cm³ (2.2× smaller than Earth's density). This density provides important clues about the planet's internal composition. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Does 136199 Eris have seasons?

136199 Eris has an axial tilt of . With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
Discovered By
Michael E. Brown, Chadwick Trujillo, David L. Rabinowitz
Discovery Date
05/01/2005
Raw Data
Moons1
Dysnomie