How Pluto Stopped Being a Plant

Front

What is a dwarf planet?

Back

A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun and is similar to a planet but does not clear its orbit of other debris.

Front

What does the term 'status' mean in astronomy?

Back

In astronomy, 'status' refers to the degree of importance or classification of a celestial body, such as whether it is considered a planet or a dwarf planet.

Front

What event in 2006 changed Pluto's classification?

Back

In 2006, astronomers established a new definition of a planet, which led to Pluto being reclassified as a dwarf planet.

Front

Why is Pluto considered a dwarf planet?

Back

Pluto is considered a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its neighborhood of other objects in its orbit.

Front

What is the main reason for Pluto's reclassification?

Back

The main reason for Pluto's reclassification is the new definition of a planet established by astronomers in 2006.

Front

How does Pluto's size compare to Earth?

Back

If Earth were the size of a basketball, Pluto would be the size of a golf ball.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'cleared its neighborhood'?

Back

'Cleared its neighborhood' means that a planet has become gravitationally dominant in its orbit, removing smaller bodies.

Front

What was the belief about the number of planets in our solar system before 2006?

Back

Before 2006, it was commonly believed that our solar system had nine planets.

Front

What is one key detail that supports Pluto's status as a dwarf planet?

Back

One key detail is that Pluto hasn't cleared its neighborhood the way the planets have.

Front

What is the definition of a planet according to the 2006 criteria?

Back

A planet must orbit the sun, be spherical in shape, and have cleared its orbit of other debris.