Tidally locked rotation of the dwarf planet (136199) Eris discovered via long-term ground-based and space photometry

The rotational states of the members in the dwarf planet-satellite systems in the trans-Neptunian region are determined by formation conditions and the tidal interaction between the components. These rotational characteristics serve as prime tracers of their evolution. A number of authors have claimed a very broad range of values for the rotation period for the dwarf planet Eris, ranging from a few hours to a rotation that is (nearly) synchronous with the orbital period (15.8 d) of its satellite, Dysnomia. In this Letter, we present new light curve data for Eris, taken with similar to 1-2 m-class ground based telescopes and with the TESS and Gaia space telescopes. The TESS data did not provide a well-defined light curve period, but it could be used to constrain light curve variations to a maximum possible light curve amplitude of delta m <= 0.03 mag (1-sigma) for P <= 24 h periods. Both the combined ground-based data and Gaia measurements unambiguously point to a light curve period equal to the orbital period of Dysnomia, P = 15.8 d, with a light curve amplitude of delta m asymptotic to 0.03 mag, indicating that the rotation of Eris is tidally locked. Assuming that Dysnomia has a collisional origin, calculations with a simple tidal evolution model show that Dysnomia must be relatively massive (mass ratio of q = 0.01-0.03) and large (radius of R-s >= 300 km) to have the potential to slow Eris down to a synchronised rotation. These simulations also indicate that (assuming tidal parameters usually considered for trans-Neptunian objects) the density of Dysnomia should be 1.8-2.4 g cm(-3). This is an exceptionally high value among similarly sized trans-Neptunian objects, setting important constraints on their formation conditions.

Automated summary

The rotational states of dwarf planet-satellite systems in the trans-Neptunian region are influenced by formation conditions and tidal interaction. Observations indicate that the rotation of Eris is tidally locked to its satellite Dysnomia, with a period of 15.8 days. Simulations suggest that Dysnomia must have a relatively large mass and size to slow down Eris's rotation.