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Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. Why was this?

A. Pluto was not spherical.
B. Pluto was not massive enough to clear its orbit.


Sagot :

Final answer:

Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 due to not meeting the criteria set by the IAU for a planet.


Explanation:

Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 because it did not meet the criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for a planet. The three criteria included the requirement for a planet to clear its orbit, be in hydrostatic equilibrium (meaning nearly round), and have sufficient mass. Pluto did not meet the first criterion of clearing its orbit, as its orbit intersected with that of Neptune.


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