Question
Here is the question : TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, WHAT IS PLUTO?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- A moon
- An asteroid
- A dwarf planet
- A satellite
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Pluto has it rough. While Pluto was officially classified as a planet after its discovery in 1930, comparable objects were found in the 1990s. After the International Astronomical Union formally redefined ‘planet’ in 2006, Pluto was demoted from planet to dwarf planet. Eris and Ceres, two more minor planets, are also part of our solar system.
Pluto is a celestial object that has fascinated astronomers and space enthusiasts for decades. Discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto was long considered to be the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a “dwarf planet,” a decision that sparked debate and controversy among scientists and the public alike.
So, what exactly is a dwarf planet, and why was Pluto reclassified as one? To answer these questions, we need to understand the criteria that the IAU uses to define a planet. According to the IAU, a planet is a celestial body that:
orbits the sun;
is spherical or nearly spherical in shape; and
has “cleared” its orbit of other debris.
Pluto met the first two criteria, as it orbits the sun and has a roughly spherical shape. However, it failed to meet the third criterion, as its orbit overlaps with those of other objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune that is home to numerous small celestial bodies.
As a result, the IAU decided to reclassify Pluto as a “dwarf planet,” a term that describes celestial objects that are similar to planets in some ways but do not meet all of the criteria to be considered a full-fledged planet. Other examples of dwarf planets in our solar system include Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake.
many astronomers support the decision, arguing that it reflects a more accurate understanding of the solar system and the nature of celestial objects. By defining planets based on their ability to “clear” their orbits, the IAU is able to differentiate between objects that are similar in size and shape but have fundamentally different properties.
Moreover, the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet has opened up new avenues of research and exploration for scientists. By studying Pluto and other dwarf planets, astronomers can learn more about the formation and evolution of our solar system and the processes that shape the universe more broadly.
Pluto is a celestial object that has undergone significant changes in its classification and status over the years. While it was once considered a full-fledged planet, it is now recognized as a dwarf planet, a term that reflects a more nuanced understanding of planetary science and the nature of celestial objects. Regardless of its classification, Pluto remains a fascinating and mysterious object that continues to capture the imagination of astronomers and the public alike.