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Faraway Eris is Pluto’s twin

This ESOcast describes how astronomers have accurately measured the diameter of the faraway dwarf planet Eris for the first time by catching it as it passed in front of a faint star. This event was seen at the end of 2010 by telescopes in Chile, including the TRAPPIST telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory. The observations show that Eris is an almost perfect twin of Pluto in size. Eris seems to have a very reflective surface, suggesting that it is covered in ice, probably a frozen atmosphere.

English
  • Originally Aired October 26, 2011
  • Runtime 80 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-Y
  • Created October 31, 2011 by
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  • Modified October 31, 2011 by
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Name Type Role
Richard Hook Writer
Mathieu Isidro Writer
Richard Hook Director
Herbert Zodet Director