Dwarf Planet 2003 UB313 named Eris

14 September 2006

The International Astronomical Union has approved the name Eris for the largest known dwarf planet (see CBAT Circular 8747). Eris is the Greek goddess of chaos and strife; she created a quarrel among goddesses that led to the Trojan War. This name could be considered quite fitting for the body that has fueled the debate concerning how to define a planet. The name Eris was suggested by the discoverer, Michael Brown.

Eris satellite was named Dysnomia, for Eris daughter who carries the attribute of lawlessness.

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