Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet because it does not meet all three criteria of being a planet. In 2006, the international astronomical union (iau) redefined the criteria for being classified as a planet.
Pluto, which had been considered the ninth planet in the solar system, did not meet the new standards and was reclassified as a dwarf planet. The iau stated that a planet must clear its orbit of other debris, have a specific shape, and be the dominant object in its orbit.
While pluto orbits the sun and is round, it has not cleared its orbit of other objects, as it shares its orbit with other kuiper belt objects. Therefore, it was no longer considered a planet. Despite this, pluto remains a fascinating object of study for astronomers and the public alike.
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Can You Believe Pluto Isn’T A Planet Anymore?
Pluto was discovered in 1930 and classified as the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in 2006, it was demoted to a “dwarf planet. ” The international astronomical union’s decision was based on pluto’s size, as it’s significantly smaller than the other eight planets.
Additionally, pluto’s unique orbit crossed with neptune’s, which made its classification as a planet debatable. The decision to reclassify pluto created controversy among scientists and the public alike, with many disagreeing with the iau’s decision. However, the classification of pluto as a dwarf planet still stands to this day.
Ultimately, the decision to reclassify pluto was made to maintain consistency in planetary classification and better understand the makeup of our solar system.
Revisiting The International Astronomical Union (Iau)’S Decision
The international astronomical union’s (iau) decision to reclassify pluto as a dwarf planet is still a topic of discussion among astronomers. The new definition of what constitutes a planet excluded pluto, as it did not meet the requirements. This decision has faced criticism and misconceptions.
However, the iau’s definition is based on scientific principles and seeks to clarify the definition of a planet. The iau’s new definition requires an object to orbit the sun, have sufficient mass to achieve hydrostatic equilibrium and clear debris from its orbit.
While pluto orbits the sun, it cannot clear debris from its path and is, therefore, a dwarf planet. The iau’s reclassification of pluto opened the door for other objects in the solar system to be categorized under new classifications.