2006-09-02 21:18:42 · 8 answers · asked by ojibway_choni 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
the international astronomical union defined three terms "planet", "dwarf planet", and "small solar system body". a planet must be round and orbit the sun in an isolated orbit. a dwarf planet must be round but orbit the sun with a bunch of other bodies with similar orbits.
(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
2006-09-03 07:47:36 · answer #1 · answered by warm soapy water 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A dwarf planet is smaller, so it is not classified into regular planets. A dwarf planet is also not a member of the solar system, but it belongs to Kuiper Belt object. Kuiper Belt is a collection of meteors and small planet-like objects (dwarf planets) in shape of a belt around our solar system.
2006-09-02 22:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "regular" planet is regarded as part of a planetary system. A dwarf is not a part of it....Like Pluto got demoted to a dwarf planet.
2006-09-02 22:13:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dwarf planet is alot smaller, like pluto is a dwarf planet, we are a regular planet!!!
2006-09-03 04:37:16 · answer #4 · answered by volleyballMVP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a good article on this since pluto was just demoted as a planet. Look at my source below and it will tell you the diffrence.
2006-09-02 21:58:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the name "dwarf planet" cannot tell you the difference, then I can't neither !!!
2006-09-02 22:29:47 · answer #6 · answered by jhstha 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
dwarf planet would be smaller
2006-09-02 21:21:18 · answer #7 · answered by vicky l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 500 miles in diamiter
2006-09-02 21:24:49 · answer #8 · answered by l2wh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋