so if pluto is not a planet any more then what is it?
2006-12-04 02:38:16 · 12 answers · asked by Andy 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The International Astronomical Union decided that Pluto was no longer a planet. The reason is that while Pluto is round, orbits the sun, and has three moons, it has not cleared (via gravity) its own orbit of debris. Instead, they decided to classify it as a "dwarf planet".
See the details below.
RESOLUTION 5A
The IAU therefore resolves that "planets" and other bodies in our Solar System, except satellites, be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A "planet" [footnote 1] 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 neighbourhood 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 [footnote 2] , (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects [footnote 3] except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar-System Bodies".
Footnote 1: The eight "planets" are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Footnote 2: An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into either dwarf planet and other categories.
Footnote 3: These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.
RESOLUTION 6A
The IAU further resolves:
Pluto is a "dwarf planet" by the above definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.
2006-12-04 03:01:34 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Officially it's defined as a "dwarf planet". I can't believe these scientists have nothing better to do besides squabble over whether pluto is a planet or not. It's a planet as far as I'm concerned.
2006-12-04 02:47:00 · answer #2 · answered by Manuscript Replica 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is now called a "dwarf planet."
planets r now defined as "bodies that revolve around the sun in their own orbits".
though pluto has its' own orbit but it was far more small and it's orbit concided with that of neptune. so it's no more considered a planet but a "dwarf planet".
2006-12-04 02:48:53 · answer #3 · answered by Arty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has been considered as a the Dwarf Planets
2006-12-04 02:43:51 · answer #4 · answered by Adithya M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pluto is a Kuiper Belt object. It is one of many such objects in the solar system.
2006-12-04 03:19:00 · answer #5 · answered by bldudas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an asteroid.Its too small to be considered as a planet.It also does'nt have the same characteristics as the other planets.
2006-12-04 14:25:16 · answer #6 · answered by Shaniqua 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Screw whoever says it isn't. In my day there were 9 planets. That's all there are until I hear otherwise and I see pictures.
2006-12-04 02:46:35 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's where Elvis lives with John Lennon. Osama Binl Ladin is looking at some property there too.
2006-12-04 02:46:25 · answer #8 · answered by ccluff1974 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nobody's sure yet. As of now, it's called a Trans-Neptunian Object. See link
2006-12-04 02:46:19 · answer #9 · answered by Crash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A tatty little rock we should laugh at for having pretensions of greatness.
2006-12-04 02:40:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋