Dwarf Planets

A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a nearly round shape, and has not cleared its neighboring region of other objects.

Characteristics of Dwarf Planets

• Orbits the sun
• Has sufficient mass for self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces
• Assumes a nearly round shape
• Has not cleared its neighboring region of other objects

Examples of Dwarf Planets

Some examples of dwarf planets in our solar system include:

1. Pluto: Discovered in 1930, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our solar system until it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
2. Ceres: Located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt and was designated as a dwarf planet in 2006.
3. Eris: This dwarf planet is located in the scattered disc, a distant region of the solar system, and is about the same size as Pluto.

Study Guide

When studying dwarf planets, consider the following questions:

1. What are the defining characteristics of a dwarf planet?
2. How do dwarf planets differ from regular planets?
3. Why was Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006?
4. Where are most dwarf planets located in our solar system?
5. What are some examples of dwarf planets?

By understanding the characteristics and significance of dwarf planets, we can gain valuable insights into the diversity of celestial bodies in our solar system.