Dwarf Planets

Dwarf planets are celestial bodies that orbit the sun and have a nearly spherical shape, but they have not cleared their orbital neighborhood of other debris. This distinguishes them from the eight planets in our solar system, which have cleared their orbits.

Characteristics of Dwarf Planets:

• Orbit: Dwarf planets orbit the sun, just like planets do.
• Spherical Shape: They have a nearly spherical shape due to their gravitational force.
• Not Cleared Orbits: Unlike planets, dwarf planets have not cleared their orbital neighborhood of other debris.
• Size: They are smaller in size compared to the eight planets in our solar system.

Examples of Dwarf Planets:

Some examples of dwarf planets in our solar system include:

1. Ceres
2. Pluto
3. Haumea
4. Makemake
5. Eris

Study Guide:

Here are some study questions to help you understand the concept of dwarf planets:

1. What are the characteristics of a dwarf planet?
2. How do dwarf planets differ from the eight planets in our solar system?
3. List the names of at least three dwarf planets in our solar system.
4. Why are dwarf planets not considered full-fledged planets?
5. What is the significance of studying dwarf planets in our solar system?

By studying these questions and understanding the characteristics of dwarf planets, you will have a better grasp of this fascinating aspect of our solar system.