2006-08-30 14:59:51 · 13 answers · asked by app1995 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
the international astronomical union defined three terms "planet", "dwarf planet", and "small solar system body". this does not change anything about the solar system or pluto. it just corrects the mistake of classifying pluto as a planet initially.
because pluto orbits the sun, is round, orbits the sun with a bunch of other similar bodies with similar orbits, and is not a satellite it is a dwarf planet.
(1) A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
(2) A dwarf planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, (c) has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies".
look here:
http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/iau0603/index.html
2006-08-30 16:07:37 · answer #1 · answered by warm soapy water 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not the master of its domain, as a bigger planet (Neptune) rules that part of the sky (Pluto's orbit crosses that of Neptune).
The new definition is that to be a major planet, a body has to be the local boss, which Pluto is not.
2006-08-30 15:03:52 · answer #2 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pluto is still a planet but it has just been declared a less significant one.
2006-08-30 15:54:35 · answer #3 · answered by sk8er V 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pluto is believed to be a moon of of planet Jupiter, & therefore is has been demoted from its prior planet status.
2006-08-30 15:07:41 · answer #4 · answered by Charles 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it is under the required size to be a planet, and it has an irregular orbit. It is now a "dwarf planet".
2006-08-30 15:11:45 · answer #5 · answered by joec9000 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
astronmers thought that it would be funny if they took away the only significant scientific discovery a kansan had ever made. Why do you think they reclassified it as a dwarf planet? Now us kansans have to deal with more wizard of oz crap.
2006-08-30 15:28:39 · answer #6 · answered by Adam 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why is
taht i dont care if pluto is a planet or not?
2006-08-30 19:38:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I ask the same question.
Think of this metaphor: A Dwarf Human. They are dwarfs, smaller than other humans, but nonetheless humans. We don't disinclude dwarves in the population because they are smaller.
2006-08-30 15:05:35 · answer #8 · answered by John 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who's going to speak up for the Plutonians? The next thing you know, we'll be ousting Uranus from the club....
2006-08-30 17:09:37 · answer #9 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because it is to small and too insignificant. or maybe astronomers have something agaisnt disney.
2006-08-30 15:05:30 · answer #10 · answered by David A 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋