The Dwarf Planets

Image Courtesy of NASA/STSci/ESA

Pluto and the moon Charon

Pluto, discovered in 1930, was known as a planet until 2006. In the summer of 2006, the International Astronomical Union classified Pluto as a dwarf planet. This classification came after another object in the Solar System was discovered that was larger than Pluto. Pluto was different from the other planets; therefore, new guidelines were created for objects that would be considered dwarf planets. Pluto and the new larger object, Eris, would be classified as dwarf planets. In this topic, you will investigate the celestial bodies in the Solar System that fit into the classification of dwarf planet. You will learn about the location of these objects, as well as their characteristics.

Essential Questions

• What are dwarf planets?
• What are the characteristics of dwarf planets?
• Why does an object receive the classification of dwarf planet?