Tentative detection of the rotation of Eris

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 not, vert, similar1.08 day rotation period is marginally detected at a modest level of statistical confidence (~97%). 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 (~1.08 day) at a slightly higher statistical confidence (~99%).

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