Objective: Describe and compare the components of the Solar System.
Name ______
Dwarf Planets: A New Way of Thinking about an Old Solar System
Below are listed Solar System objects. Determine if the object is a planet, dwarf planet, or an asteroid.
Does it Orbit the Sun? / Is it Round? / Has it cleared its neighborhood? / Is it a moon orbiting a planet? / Does it orbit inside the orbit of Jupiter?
Yes / Yes / Yes / No / No
Does it Orbit the Sun? / Is it Round? / Has it cleared its neighborhood? / Is it a moon orbiting a planet? / Does it orbit inside the orbit of Jupiter?
Yes / No / No / No / Yes
2. This object is…
a. a planet. c. an asteroid.
b. a dwarf planet.
Does it Orbit the Sun? / Is it Round? / Has it cleared its neighborhood? / Is it a moon orbiting a planet? / Does it orbit inside the orbit of Jupiter?
Yes / Yes / No / No / No
3. This object is…
a. a planet. c. an asteroid.
b. a dwarf planet.
Does it Orbit the Sun? / Is it Round? / Has it cleared its neighborhood? / Is it a moon orbiting a planet? / Does it orbit inside the orbit of Jupiter?
Yes / Yes / Yes / No / No
4. This object is…
a. a planet. c. an asteroid.
b. a dwarf planet.
What is a Planet, Dwarf Planet, and an Asteroid?
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union developed a definition for a planet, dwarf planet, and asteroid.
A PLANET is a celestial body that…
· orbits the Sun.
· is round or almost round.
· has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
· is not a moon orbiting another planet.
A DWARF PLANET is a celestial body that…
· orbits the Sun.
· is round or almost round.
· has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
· is not a moon orbiting another planet.
An ASTEROID (or minor planet)…
· orbits the Sun inside the orbit of Jupiter.
· is not round or almost round.
· has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
· is not a moon orbiting another planet.
Dwarf Planets: A New Way of Thinking about an Old Solar System Key
1. a
2. c
3. b
4. a
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