Question

whatSince 1930, Pluto had been known as the farthest planet in the solar system. After further study was possible in 2006,______, the planet was downgraded to a "dwarf planet" since it does not include certain characteristics of the other eight planets.___________ , Pluto does not dominate its neighborhood, taking in smaller objects with its gravitational force. This newly revised requirement shocked many who had grown up with their favorite ninth "planet."

Answer 1

Pluto was downgraded to a dwarf planet in 2006 after it was determined that it does not clear its orbital neighborhood of other objects. This, along with its uncharacteristic orbit and size relative to the other planets, led to a new classification for Pluto and similar trans-neptunian objects.

Step-by-step explanation:

After further study was possible in 2006, Pluto was downgraded to a "dwarf planet" by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The main reason for this reclassification was that Pluto does not meet all three criteria imposed by the IAU to be considered a standard planet. Specifically, it does not clear its orbital neighborhood of other objects, which is a key characteristic of a fully-fledged planet.

Pluto's path around the Sun and its size do not resemble those of the terrestrial planets or the giant planets. Its orbit is more eccentric and inclined compared to those of the classical planets. Additionally, the discovery of trans-neptunian objects such as Eris and Makemake, which are similar in size to or smaller than Pluto, showed that it was not unique in the outer reaches of the Solar System. This necessitated a separate classification for Pluto and other similar objects, hence the term "dwarf planet" came into use. Despite the change, the debate on whether a dwarf planet should still be considered a planet continues among astronomers and the general public.