Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1775642 | Icarus | 2008 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
We report a multi-week sequence of B-band photometric measurements of the dwarf planet Eris using the Swift satellite. The use of an observatory in low-Earth orbit provides better temporal sampling than is available with a ground-based telescope. We find no compelling evidence for an unusually slow rotation period of multiple days, as has been suggested previously. A â¼1.08 day rotation period is marginally detected at a modest level of statistical confidence (â¼97%). Analysis of the combination of the Swift data with the ground-based B-band measurements of Rabinowitz et al. [Rabinowitz, D.L., Schaefer, B.E., Tourtellotte, S.W., 2007. Astron. J. 133, 26-43] returns the same period (â¼1.08 day) at a slightly higher statistical confidence (â¼99%).
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Space and Planetary Science
Authors
Henry G. Roe, Rosemary E. Pike, Michael E. Brown,