More space objects have been found beyond Pluto, in a region known as the Kuiper Belt.
In 2003, Eris was discovered. Its existence was confirmed in January 2005. It was found to be larger than Pluto and was put forward as a tenth planet in our solar system.
This caused much debate among astronomers. Are there more, larger objects in our solar system? How many? Are they all to be considered planets? If not, then what does this mean for Pluto?
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) came up with a scientific definition of the word “planet”. Pluto did not fit these new rules. It was downgraded to “dwarf planet”.
The IAU is reluctant to consider any more than eight planets in our solar system. All other planet-like bodies are to be known as “dwarf planets”.
How much do you know about these dwarf planets? Do you know:
What is a plutoid?
How many official dwarf planets are there in our solar system?
Are all the dwarf planets out beyond Pluto?
How big does an object need to be to qualify as a dwarf planet?
What other rules must an object meet to be classified as a dwarf planet?
Find out the answers to these questions and more and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts.
Ages 8 and up.
All measurements in American and metric.
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