2006-11-13 13:17:17 · 3 answers · asked by HoTtIe_WiTh_a_BoDy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The International Astronomical Union (IAU), the official scientific body for astronomical nomenclature, defines a "dwarf planet" as a celestial body that, within the Solar System,
(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 neighbourhood around its orbit; and
(d) is not a satellite
It differs from the definition of "planet" in that a dwarf planet has not cleared its orbital neighbourhood.
2006-11-13 13:26:02 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah C 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
im too lazy to look it up but it's a planet thats too small to be considered a planet
2006-11-13 13:24:36 · answer #2 · answered by luiz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check this website out...it gives you the exact definition.
topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/dwarfplanet/index.html
2006-11-13 13:40:52 · answer #3 · answered by BeLLa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋