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"A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet."
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoA planet has to be in orbit around the sun. It also has to be more or less spherical in shape, having a high enough mass and therefore gravity to achieve this 'hydrostatic equilibrium'. Thirdly, it has to have cleared it's orbit of most other matter - it has to dominate it's orbit, be the only main body at that particular distance from the sun.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoA 'planet' is:
1) a spherical mass of rock or gas smaller than, orbiting, and receiving radiation from its parent star
2) one of the eight such masses orbiting the Sun
3) Earth and its terrestrial environment
4) a celestial body held in astrological belief to determine the destiny of human beings
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe present definition of a planet means a heavenly body that has enough gravity to be round. It must orbit the sun and have no other objects in its direct orbit.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoA planet is a large solid or gaseous spheroidal mass that orbits and reflects light from a star and clears its orbital path of any other material picked up by its gravity.
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Do all astronomers think Pluto planet?
No. Most follow the new IAU definition of a planet which excludes Pluto.
What changed about Pluto in 2006?
In 2006, pluto's classification was changed to "dwarf planet". This removed it as one of the nine planets in our solar system. It was done so by the IAU (international astronomical union). The main reason for this is due to the orbital path of Pluto as it crosses Neptune's and thus does not fit the IAU's definition of a "planet".
When did the IAU agree that Pluto was a dwarf planet?
In 2006 the IAU agreed that Pluto was a dwarf planet. Although, many people were against the idea of identifying Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Why did IAU decide that Pluto was not a major planet?
IAU decided this because it shrinks every 10 seconds
When was Ceres the dwarf planet discovered?
April 24, 2006 the IAU gathered and voted the new definition for planet which immediately changed Ceres' classification.
Do all astronomers think Pluto planet?
No. Most follow the new IAU definition of a planet which excludes Pluto.
What happened to the planet Pluto?
The IAU arrived at a new definition for "planet" which left Pluto out in the cold. It is now designated as a "Dwarf Planet".
What changed about Pluto in 2006?
In 2006, pluto's classification was changed to "dwarf planet". This removed it as one of the nine planets in our solar system. It was done so by the IAU (international astronomical union). The main reason for this is due to the orbital path of Pluto as it crosses Neptune's and thus does not fit the IAU's definition of a "planet".
Is Pluto going to be considered a planet?
The IAU arrived at a new definition for "planet" which left Pluto out in the cold. It is now designated as a "Dwarf Planet". also it was called a planet when is was larger but now it has become smaller scientists no longer class it as a planet
When did the IAU agree that Pluto was a dwarf planet?
In 2006 the IAU agreed that Pluto was a dwarf planet. Although, many people were against the idea of identifying Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Why did IAU decide that Pluto was not a major planet?
IAU decided this because it shrinks every 10 seconds
What are rocky objects found in the inner solar system?
Planets.Or, if they are smaller and have not met the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition_of_planet IAU definition of a planet], they are called Asteroids.
When was Ceres the dwarf planet discovered?
April 24, 2006 the IAU gathered and voted the new definition for planet which immediately changed Ceres' classification.
Is Pluto the only planet that's not a planet anymore?
Yes. The planet was reclassified as a "dwarf planet" by the IAU in 2006.
When was Pluto classifed as a dwarf planet?
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) defined the term "planet" for the first time. This definition excluded Pluto as a planet, and added it as a member of the new category "dwarf planet" along with Eris and Ceres.
What is the name of the object in your solar system that is now called a dwarf planet?
It is planet Pluto. ______________________ There are five "dwarf planets" in our solar system, as of August 2010. There are certainly dozens or hundreds more in the distant parts of our solar systems, but our telescopes are not yet good enough to see them. Pluto was considered a planet until the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified it. Ceres was an asteroid before the IAU reclassified it. The Kuiper Belt Objects later named Eris, Haumea and Makemake were all considered to be candidates for being named the "Tenth Planet" until the IAU came out with its definition of "planet". In fact, it was the discovery of the dwarf planet Eris, originally called "Xena", that caused the IAU to finally come up with a formal definition of "planet". All three of these objects are now considered to be "dwarf planets". There are several other large asteroids that probably deserve "dwarf planet" status as well; Vesta, certainly, and Pallas, and perhaps a few others.
What planet takes 557 earth years to orbit the sun?
No planet, under the 2006 IAU definition of a planet, takes 557 Earth years to orbit the Sun. Perhaps you are talking about dwarf planets. If so, please restate the question.
