_________ oblong orbit overlaps the orbit of Neptune.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Pluto’s.
Pluto has a highly eccentric (oblong) orbit that causes it to cross inside Neptune’s orbit. This means that for about 20 years of its 248-year orbital period, Pluto is closer to the Sun than Neptune. Despite the overlap, Pluto and Neptune will never collide due to their orbital resonance—for every three orbits Neptune completes, Pluto completes two, keeping them safely apart.
Why not the other options?
Mars’ orbit:
- Mars has a nearly circular orbit between Earth and Jupiter, which does not come close to Neptune.
- It remains entirely within the inner solar system and does not overlap any outer planet’s orbit.
Jupiter’s orbit:
- Jupiter has a large, circular orbit beyond Mars but well inside Neptune’s orbit.
- It is a gas giant located between the asteroid belt and Saturn, far from Neptune.
Venus’ orbit:
- Venus is the second planet from the Sun with a very circular orbit.
- Its path is entirely within Earth’s orbit and is nowhere near Neptune.
Thus, only Pluto has an oblong orbit that overlaps with Neptune’s path.