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    dwarf planet

    dwarf planets
    A type of planet, distinct from a classical planet, which satisfies the following criteria:
    1. It is in orbit around the Sun.
    2. It has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape.
    3. It has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
    4. It is not a satellite.
    This definition of a dwarf planet was adopted by astronomers at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in Prague on Aug. 24, 2006. The prototype dwarf planet is Pluto. Two other objects, Ceres and Eris (formerly known as 2003 UB313), were also included in the initial dwarf planet catalog. An IAU working group will decide whether any other objects, such as 2005 FY9, qualify for the list.


    Related categories

       • PLANETS AND MOONS
       • EXTRASOLAR PLANETS AND SUBSTELLAR OBJECTS





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