DWARF PLANET Meaning and
Definition
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A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun just like other planets but differs in certain key aspects, leading to its classification as a distinct category of celestial objects. The characteristic that sets dwarf planets apart from regular planets is their size. To be considered a dwarf planet, a celestial body must have sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces and maintain a stable, near-spherical shape. However, dwarf planets are typically smaller and less massive than the standard definition of a planet.
Unlike planets, dwarf planets do not have a dominant gravitational force in their immediate surroundings, as they are not capable of fully clearing their orbit of debris. This means that they might encounter other objects as they travel along their orbital path. Notable examples of dwarf planets in our solar system include Pluto, which was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, as well as Eris, Haumea, Makemake, and Ceres.
Dwarf planets are an important group of celestial bodies that help enhance our understanding of the composition, formation, and evolution of the solar system. By studying these unique objects, scientists can gain insights into the processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood and the factors that influence the development and classification of celestial bodies.
Common Misspellings for DWARF PLANET
- swarf planet
- xwarf planet
- cwarf planet
- fwarf planet
- rwarf planet
- ewarf planet
- dqarf planet
- daarf planet
- dsarf planet
- dearf planet
- d3arf planet
- d2arf planet
- dwzrf planet
- dwsrf planet
- dwwrf planet
- dwqrf planet
- dwaef planet
- dwadf planet
- dwaff planet
- dwatf planet
Etymology of DWARF PLANET
The word "dwarf planet" is composed of two parts: "dwarf" and "planet".
The term "dwarf" originated from the Old English word "dweorg", which referred to a mythical creature that was typically small in size. Over time, "dwarfs" came to be associated with small, human-like mythical beings, often depicted as living underground and possessing magical powers.
The word "planet" has its roots in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "planetes", which means "wanderer" or "wandering star". In ancient times, observers of the night sky noticed that some celestial bodies appeared to move across the sky relative to the fixed stars. These objects, known as planets, were distinguished from other stars by their apparent motion.
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