Question

Pluto has a shape that is nearly round, and it orbits the sun. It has five known moons why is it called a dwarf planet and not a planet?

Answer 1

Pluto is called a dwarf planet because it does not meet the criteria to be classified as a planet.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pluto is called a dwarf planet because it does not meet all the criteria to be classified as a planet. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a planet must meet three criteria:

It must be in orbit around the sun.

It must be spherical in shape.

It must have cleared its orbit of other debris.

While Pluto meets the first two criteria, it does not meet the third one. There are other similar-sized objects in its orbit, such as Eris and Makemake, which led astronomers to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet. In addition, Pluto has a more eccentric orbit and is inclined to the plane of the solar system, unlike the other planets.

Answer 2

As per the question, Pluto has a shape that is nearly round and it orbits around the sun. The total number of moons of Pluto is five. But, Pluto is considered as a dwarf planet.

Step-by-step explanation:

Every planet in out solar system has cleared their neighborhood. They are independent on each other, and don't share their orbits with others.

Unlike other planets, Pluto has not cleared its neighborhood. It can share its orbit with other bodies having nearly equal masses that of Pluto.

Hence, Pluto is considered as dwarf planet.