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Which of the following planets was declared a dwarf planet in 2006?
Pluto
In 2006, with the discovery of several other rocky bodies similar in size or larger than Pluto, the IAU decided to re-classify Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Which dwarf planet was previously?
Eris (then known as 2003 UB313) was discovered in January 2005; it was thought to be slightly larger than Pluto, and some reports informally referred to it as the tenth planet. As a consequence, the issue became a matter of intense debate during the IAU General Assembly in August 2006.
Is Eris or Pluto bigger?
Eris is one of the largest known dwarf planets in our solar system. It’s about the same size as Pluto but is three times farther from the Sun. At first, Eris appeared to be larger than Pluto. Pluto, Eris, and other similar objects are now classified as dwarf planets.
Why was Pluto demoted to a dwarf planet?
However, in August 2006 the International Astronomical Union downgraded the status of Pluto to that of “dwarf planet.” Pluto was no longer be considered a planet, due to new rules that said planets must “clear the neighborhood around its orbit.” Since Pluto’s oblong orbit overlaps that of Neptune, it was disqualified.
Is the planet Pluto a planet or a dwarf planet?
“Pluto is a dwarf planet by the definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects,” states the approved resolution. Dwarf planets are not planets under the definition, however.
Which is the only dwarf planet in the asteroid belt?
“Ceres is a dwarf planet. it’s the only dwarf planet in the asteroid belt,” Brown said. “Charon is a satellite.” The category of “dwarf planet” is expected to include dozens of round objects already discovered beyond Neptune. Ultimately, hundreds will probably be found, astronomers say.
Who said Pluto was not a planet?
Officially, Pluto is no longer a planet. “Pluto is dead,” said Caltech researcher Mike Brown, who spoke with reporters via a teleconference while monitoring the vote. The decision also means a Pluto-sized object that Brown discovered will not be called a planet. “Pluto is not a planet,” Brown said.