Other Objects in the Solar System

Discovered in 1930, Pluto was known as the ninth planet until 2006 when the International Astronomical Union surprised the world when it re-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 always different from the other eight planets and this discovery led to new guidelines for distinguishing planets and dwarf planets. Pluto and the new larger object, Eris, were the first objects classified as dwarf planets.

The Sun, the planets, and the dwarf planets are not the only objects in our solar system. There are several types of other celestial bodies within the solar system, including comets, asteroids, and meteors. In this topic you will investigate the characteristics and locations of each of these types of celestial bodies.

Essential Questions

• What are the characteristics of dwarf planets?
• What the characteristics of asteroids, comets, and meteors?