What is considered to be a Dwarf Planet?
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) introduced a new classification of celestial bodies in our solar system, including a new category known as 'dwarf planets.' The category was created to define bodies in our solar system that do not orbit the sun as full-fledged planets but possess similar characteristics, such as orbiting the sun and being spherical. But what exactly is considered to be a dwarf planet?
According to the IAU, a dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, is spherical in shape due to its gravity, has not cleared its orbit of other debris, and is not a satellite or moon of another planet. This means that dwarf planets share similarities with regular planets, such as an orbit around the sun and being round but don't possess the mass needed to clear the debris from their orbits.
Currently, there are five officially recognized dwarf planets in our solar system, including Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. Each dwarf planet has its unique characteristics, such as Pluto having a significantly inclined orbit and Eris being one of the largest known dwarf planets.
The classification of dwarf planets sparked controversy, particularly when Pluto was downgraded from a full-fledged planet to a dwarf planet. Supporters of Pluto argued that it should be classified as a planet due to its historical significance and its unique features, such as having five known moons.
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