Introduction to Pluto
Discovered in 1930, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our Solar System for 76 years. It resides in the Kuiper Belt, a region filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets.
IAU Redefines Planets (2006)
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planets. A planet must orbit the Sun, be spherical, and have cleared its orbital path of other debris. This redefinition excluded Pluto.
Pluto Fails Orbit Clearing
Pluto shares its orbit with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Unlike the eight planets, it hasn't cleared its neighborhood, thus failing the IAU's third criterion for planethood.
Pluto's Planetary Neighbors
Pluto shares characteristics with other dwarf planets like Eris and Haumea. In fact, Eris is even more massive than Pluto, prompting the reevaluation of what constitutes a planet.
Pluto's New Status
Pluto is now classified as a 'dwarf planet' and remains an object of fascination. Its complex atmosphere and potential subsurface ocean continue to intrigue scientists and spark further research.Pluto's Heartbeat
Pluto has a heart-shaped glacier that beats with nitrogen ice, shifting its position and influencing Pluto’s orientation in space.
Why was Pluto reclassified in 2006?
It's not spherical
It hasn't cleared its orbit
It's too far from Sun
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