2006-10-02 08:55:03 · 13 answers · asked by Arvind B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Mercury is the samllest planet in our solar system.
We probably won't ever detect any other planets of that size orbiting other stars because they are just so small. We may be able to detect perturbations of a star with a small orbiting planet, but we most likely won't be able to get a very accurate measurement of the actual size.
2006-10-02 09:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by Jared Z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a question we will probably never know as it will be almost impossible to discover all the planets in the entire universe. Only the planets in our solar system and a few detected planets around neighbouring stars are known at present and now that Pluto is downgraded that means that Mercury is currently the smallest known planet.
2006-10-02 09:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by NoLogic 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question, actually everyone is partially correct. The definition of planets is coming under some scrutiny since we have been detecting objects in space that were once considered planets.
Mass, spherical shape, size, density, atmosphere, etc are all being evaluated. I believe we will come to discover that planets will ultimately be categorized as planetary bodies capable of sustaining life, have an atmosphere, and which orbit a star.
Obviously, even this simple definition will not hold- can Jupiter sustain life? Most likely not- but we will have to define Exobiology in terms that are non-terresterial in nature.
The smallest planet? In our solar system, even lonely Pluto is being threatened with expulsion from the Planetary Club.
Enjoy!
2006-10-02 11:30:08 · answer #3 · answered by RHJ Cortez 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If we can barely observe the universe, how can we possibly figure out the smallest planet in the universe?
There have been only 215 planets discovered so far. Mercury can be said to be the smallest planet 'so far' discovered.
2006-10-02 09:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by trancevanbuuren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2015-08-18 14:01:07 · answer #5 · answered by Evita 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is the smallest in our solar system but I'm sure there is something smaller in the universe. Since everything is so far away it would be difficult for us to detect something so small around another star.
2006-10-06 01:59:50 · answer #6 · answered by Krissy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of the known planets in the universe, it's now Mercury but it used to be Pluto until it was demoted to a dwarf planet.
2006-10-02 09:04:56 · answer #7 · answered by gfminis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to tell since the universe is so vast, astonomers have only just discovered a few planets past our solar system, In those few planets they seem to be bigger then pluto.
2006-10-02 10:12:10 · answer #8 · answered by SARSAT-BT20 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we havent discovered all the planets yet but in our solar system it is murcury now that pluto is out of the picture.still the fact that pluto is not a planet is a theory and technically we dont know for fact that pluto is not a planet because it is a theory,so it could be pluto or maybe murcury
2006-10-02 13:24:38 · answer #9 · answered by lizzo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Universe? No one knows yet. In our solar system it's Mercury.
2006-10-02 09:03:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋