Is Dwarf Planet Eris Potentially Habitable?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of survivors fleeing to the dwarf planet Eris in an apocalypse scenario. The planet is chosen due to its mythological significance and despite being too cold for life to evolve, it could sustain human life with advanced technology and reliance on nuclear fusion.
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Katherine Sherman
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Hello-
I'm looking to entertain an apocalypse scenario in which survivors (this occurs in the future) flee to the dwarf planet Eris. I chose this planet because I love the myth circling it: "Eris was the Greek goddess of discord and strife. It was felt to be a very fitting name for a planet which sparked debate over the definition of a planet. Its moon, Dysnomia, is named after Eris’s daughter." Even if this is far, far into the future with unlimited resources, would reaching the plant be possible? And if arrival succeeded could human life be sustained?
Thanks so much!
-Katherine
 
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It is too cold for life as we know it to evolve, but living there with sufficiently advanced technology is no problem. The sun would not be very useful at that distance, so the colony would probably rely on nuclear fusion.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
It is too cold for life as we know it to evolve, but living there with sufficiently advanced technology is no problem. The sun would not be very useful at that distance, so the colony would probably rely on nuclear fusion.
Thank you, that's very helpful!
 

Related to Is Dwarf Planet Eris Potentially Habitable?

1. Is Dwarf Planet Eris within the habitable zone of our solar system?

No, Eris is located in the outer regions of our solar system, known as the Kuiper Belt, and is too far away from the Sun to be considered within the habitable zone.

2. What are the main characteristics of Eris that make it potentially habitable?

Eris has a rocky surface and a relatively large size, which could potentially allow for the presence of liquid water and an atmosphere. It also has an eccentric orbit, which could result in seasonal changes on the planet.

3. Does Eris have any known sources of energy that could sustain life?

Eris does not have any known sources of energy, such as geothermal or solar energy, that could sustain life. However, it is possible that the planet could have internal heat sources or receive some form of energy from its moon, Dysnomia.

4. Are there any spacecraft missions planned to explore Eris for potential habitability?

Currently, there are no spacecraft missions planned specifically to explore Eris for potential habitability. However, some spacecraft, such as the New Horizons mission, have studied Eris during their journey to other destinations in the outer solar system.

5. Are there any known organisms or signs of life on Eris?

No, there are no known organisms or signs of life on Eris. The extreme cold temperature and lack of a significant energy source make it unlikely that life could exist on the surface of the planet. However, it is still possible that microbial life could exist in the subsurface ocean of Eris.

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