Class 6 Exam  >  Class 6 Questions  >  Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? Start Learning for Free
Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?
Most Upvoted Answer
Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?
Pluto is known as a dwarf planet because of its size and characteristics. Here are the main reasons why:

Size and Shape
- Pluto is significantly smaller than the eight planets of our solar system.
- Its diameter is only about 2,377 km, which is less than one-fifth of the Earth's diameter.
- Pluto also has an irregular shape, unlike the round shape of most planets.

Orbit
- Pluto's orbit is highly elliptical and tilted compared to the other planets.
- It takes 248 Earth years for Pluto to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Composition
- Pluto is made up of rock and ice, similar to the composition of other planets in the outer solar system.
- However, it is not massive enough to clear its orbit of other debris, which is a requirement for a planet.

Classification
- In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the term "planet" and classified Pluto as a "dwarf planet."
- According to the IAU, a dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, has a nearly round shape, and has not cleared its orbit of debris.

In summary, Pluto's small size, irregular shape, highly elliptical orbit, and inability to clear its orbit of debris led to its classification as a dwarf planet.
Community Answer
Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?
Because it is smaller than all planets and it has no orbit to take revolution around The Sun
Attention Class 6 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 6 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 6.
Explore Courses for Class 6 exam

Top Courses for Class 6

Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?
Question Description
Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? for Class 6 2024 is part of Class 6 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 6 exam syllabus. Information about Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? covers all topics & solutions for Class 6 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?.
Solutions for Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 6. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 6 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet?, a detailed solution for Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? has been provided alongside types of Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Why is pluto known as a dwarf planet? tests, examples and also practice Class 6 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 6 exam

Top Courses for Class 6

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev