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?
A.
It is too far from the Sun.
B.
Its orbit is not cleared of like-sized or larger objects.
C.
It is not large enough in size.
D.
It does not have rings.

Answer 1

Pluto has a shape that is nearly round, and it orbits the Sun. It has five known moons. It is called a dwarf planet and not a planet because its orbit is not cleared of like-sized or larger objects

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Pluto has been mentioned as Dwarf Planet as it doesn't hold the standardisation to be counted as a Planet.

According to the standard criteria, a planet must have been surrounded by the orbit of the Sun, it must have significant mass to have a gravitational pull and hence, circular shape, and should have isolated surrounding.

But, Pluto has various celestial bodies in its vicinity that are larger in size. Hence, as concluded by the Union, any celestial body that does not has clear surrounding, is regarded as Dwarf Planet just like Pluto.