Natural satellite been directly observed, have been called "moonlets". Small asteroid moons (natural satellites of asteroids), such as Dactyl, have also been called moonlets. The upper limit is also vague. Two orbiting bodies are sometimes described as a double planet rather than primary and satellite. Asteroids such as 90 Antiope are considered double asteroids, but they have not forced a clear definition of what constitutes a moon. Some authors consider the Pluto–Charon system to be a double (dwarf) planet. The most common dividing line on what is considered a moon rests upon whether the barycentre is below the surface of the larger
Eris (dwarf planet) decide the issue. This was announced as the IAU's "Definition of a Planet in the Solar System," adopted on 24 August 2006. At this time, both Eris and Pluto were classified as "dwarf planets," a category distinct from the new definition of "planet." Brown has since stated his approval of this classification. The IAU subsequently added Eris to its Minor Planet Catalogue, designating it "(136199) Eris." Eris has an orbital period of 558 years. Its maximum possible distance from the Sun (aphelion) is 97.65 AU, and its closest (perihelion) is 37.91 AU. It came to perihelion between 1698 and 1699,