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What decides if a dwarf planet is a dwarf planet?

In: Planetary Science, Dwarf Planet Pluto, Dwarf Planets [Edit categories]

Answer:

It needs hydrostatic equilibrium (roughly spherical shape cause of gravity) and hasn't cleared it's orbit of planetoids (other asteroids and dwarf planets). The definition of dwarf planet is contested because a number of major planets haven't cleared their orbits of planetoids. It's likely we will be looking for a better definition in the future as we have in the past as well.

First answer by Darkel777. Last edit by Darkel777. Contributor trust: 8 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].

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