Eris and Dysnomia
Filed under pretty pictures, art, trans-neptunian objects, Eris, dwarf planets beyond Neptune
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This artist's impression shows the distant dwarf planet Eris in the distance with its moon Dysmonia in the foreground. New observations have shown that Eris is smaller than previously thought and almost exactly the same size as Pluto. Eris is extremely reflective and its surface is probably covered in frost formed from the frozen remains of its atmosphere. Dysnomia appears to be a darker and less reflective body.
ESO/L. Calçada and Nick Risinger

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Original image data dated on or about October 26, 2011
Pretty pictures and awe-inspiring science.
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