Understanding Pluto's Reclassification

The video discusses Pluto's reclassification from a planet to a dwarf planet. Initially discovered in 1930, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our solar system. However, advancements in telescopic technology revealed that Pluto is one of many objects in the Kuiper Belt, leading to doubts about its planetary status. Astronomers established criteria for defining a planet, which Pluto did not meet, particularly the ability to clear its orbit. Consequently, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, prompting a clearer definition of what constitutes a planet.

Who discovered Pluto and in what year?

• Clyde Tombaugh in 1930

• Isaac Newton in 1687

• Galileo Galilei in 1610

• Albert Einstein in 1905

What significant discovery was made with the help of advanced telescopes?

• The moons of Jupiter

• The rings of Saturn

• The Kuiper Belt and its many celestial objects

• The existence of black holes

How many celestial objects similar to Pluto are estimated to be in the Kuiper Belt?

• Around 100

• More than 70,000

• Exactly 9

• Less than 10

Which celestial object is larger than Pluto and contributed to the doubt about Pluto's status as a planet?

• Makemake

• Eris

• Ceres

• Haumea

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a celestial body to be classified as a planet?

• It must clear its orbit of other objects

• It must have a moon

• It must have a strong enough gravity to be spherical

• It must orbit the sun

Why was Pluto reclassified as a 'Dwarf Planet'?

• It is not spherical

• It has no moons

• It does not clear its orbit of other objects

• It is too far from the sun

What term was introduced to classify objects like Pluto?

• Comet

• Dwarf Planet

• Asteroid

• Minor Planet

What was the impact of Pluto's reclassification on astronomical definitions?

• It clarified the criteria for classifying planets

• It resulted in the removal of other planets from the solar system

• It had no significant impact

• It led to the discovery of new planets

What was the significance of the year 2006 in the context of Pluto's classification?

• Pluto was declared the largest planet

• Pluto was discovered

• Pluto was found to have a moon

• Pluto was reclassified as a Dwarf Planet