Eris at a glance
TypeDwarf planet
RegionScattered disc
MoonDysnomia
Known forSimilar in size to Pluto
A smaller class of world
Eris belongs to the population of smaller worlds that share the Solar System with the eight major planets. Dwarf planets are round under their own gravity but occupy regions where many other objects remain.
What the image can tell you
Look for bright and dark surface regions, possible ice, overall shape and any visible companions or rings. These details help reveal composition and geological history.
Why this matters
Eris helps us understand that the Solar System did not end at Neptune. The outer regions contain a rich population of icy worlds that preserve clues to how the planets formed.
From the original archive
This English guide is part of the rebuilt VisibleGalaxies archive and uses topic and visual material from the supplied source site.