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→Surface and atmosphere
== Surface and atmosphere ==
== Surface and atmosphere ==
[[Image:2003 UB313 near-infrared spectrum.png|thumb|250px|left|Near infrared spectrum of dwarf planet Eris, taken with the Gemini 8 m telescope.]]Infrared spectroscopic scans of Eris reveal an infrared reflectance spectrum remarkably like that of [[Pluto]], which is known to have a layer of [[methane]] on its surface. From this, the discovery team concludes that Eris is surfaced with solid frozen [[methane]], with rock and [[water]] ice beneath.
[[Image:2003 UB313 near-infrared spectrum.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Near infrared spectrum of dwarf planet Eris, taken with the Gemini 8 m telescope.]]Infrared spectroscopic scans of Eris reveal an infrared reflectance spectrum remarkably like that of [[Pluto]], which is known to have a layer of [[methane]] on its surface. From this, the discovery team concludes that Eris is surfaced with solid frozen [[methane]], with rock and [[water]] ice beneath.
Yet Eris is the second most reflective body in the entire solar system, reflecting about 86% of the incident sunlight. Eris is also uniformly white on its surface, whereas Pluto is a mottled brown. The discoverers believe that this is due entirely to Eris' present far-flung position (near aphelion), and point out that Eris' orbit is the most eccentric orbit of any satellite of the [[Sun]], except for [[comet]]s.
Yet Eris is the second most reflective body in the entire solar system, reflecting about 86% of the incident sunlight. Eris is also uniformly white on its surface, whereas Pluto is a mottled brown. The discoverers believe that this is due entirely to Eris' present far-flung position (near aphelion), and point out that Eris' orbit is the most eccentric orbit of any satellite of the [[Sun]], except for [[comet]]s.