Which of the following celestial bodies is classified as a dwarf planet?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Pluto
Explanation
Pluto is classified as a "dwarf planet" in our solar system. Initially, Pluto was considered the ninth planet of our solar system, but in August 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) re-defined the term "planet". According to this new definition, a celestial body must clear the neighborhood around its orbit to be called a planet (meaning it should not share its orbital path with other large objects). Since Pluto is very small in size and shares its orbit with other icy objects in the Kuiper Belt, it was removed from the list of major planets and classified as a dwarf planet.
The characteristics of the other celestial bodies mentioned in the options are as follows:
Jupiter is the largest and most massive planet in our solar system, known primarily as a gas giant.
Earth is our home planet, the third planet from the Sun, and the only planet in the solar system known to harbor life.
Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is considered the hottest planet in the solar system. It is also referred to as Earth's twin.
Key Points
There are currently five officially recognized dwarf planets in our solar system by the International Astronomical Union (IAU): Pluto, Eris, Ceres, Haumea, and Makemake.
Among these, 'Ceres' is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, while the other four, like Pluto, are located in or beyond the Kuiper Belt.
Additional Facts
Pluto was discovered in the year 1930 by the American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. NASA's 'New Horizons' spacecraft flew past Pluto in 2015 and sent back the first clear images of its surface, which revealed a massive heart-shaped icy plain officially named Tombaugh Regio.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: In which year did the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgrade Pluto's status from a major planet to a dwarf planet?
Answer: In the year 2006.
Question: Which is the only dwarf planet located in the main Asteroid Belt of our solar system?
Answer: Ceres.