2007-10-19 14:27:58 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Depends on who you ask.
Pluto is no longer classified a planet. According to the vote by the IAU in August 2006, a planet has to:
1. Be massive enough to have be spherical
2. Orbit the sun (but not another planet)
3. Have cleared its orbital path of debris.
Pluto passes on the first 2, but since Pluto is one of thousands of objects in the Kuiper Belt, it fails on number 3.
So Pluto, Ceres, and Eris are the 3 confirmed dwarf planets so far, and all of them are large spherical rocks (with some ices and metals in there as well).
2007-10-19 14:33:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The IAU definition prevents Pluto from being a planet. yet Pluto is great adequate to be around, has an ecosystem, and has 3 moons. So this is an thrilling place no remember the variety you classify it. The argument that there are various gadgets available would not wash. Planets do no longer must be unique. So, in my opinion, Ceres is a planet as properly as Pluto and Eris. however, i might make an exception for Eris because of the fact Mike Brown would not decide for it to be talked approximately as a planet, and he got here across it. the thought planets ought to "sparkling their orbit" removes all planets. the thought planets must be the "gravitational bully" removes all planets different than Jupiter. For me, the Moon is a planet, as is Titan, and extra than a number of different others.
2016-12-15 04:20:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not even a rock, as it is mostly ice.
The current definition of "planet" excludes Pluto and other bodies that share the same basic characteristics, including one that is actually bigger than Pluto.
Pluto is now called a "dwarf planet".
2007-10-19 14:31:33 · answer #3 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is all in the definition. Under the new definition, Pluto is a "dwarf planet" This is a compromise definition designed to appease both the people who think it should be a planet and those who don't.
2007-10-19 14:34:52 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's mostly covered with ice because it's so far from the sun and it freezes.
It is also so small to be a planet. It is now the dwarf planet.
2007-10-19 14:35:27 · answer #5 · answered by santos_maraiah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont care what the scientists say these days.........I grew up with Pluto being a planet and to me, it always will be. Whether its a lump of rock, ice or doggy poo, it'll always be a planet to me.........and to thousands of young kids.....it'll always be Micky Mouses' best friend.
So there.
2007-10-19 14:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by Damned Fan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All planets are basically big rocks.
2007-10-19 14:33:11 · answer #7 · answered by dinosawr_x_love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
haven't you been paying attention it's like a freaking ice ball... it melts and then freezes again... planets don't do that
2007-10-19 14:31:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A big huge ice ball :o)
2007-10-19 14:34:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋