Dwarf Planets
What is the definition of a dwarf planet?
Solar system objects that orbit the sun but are not moons.
Are the sun, moon, and planets all considered celestial bodies?
Yes
Explain two ways asteroids are unlike planets.
They are much smaller and have weaker gravity.
What is a comet?
Small solar system object made of rock and ice.
Space rock that can not be seen from the ground with a telescope.
Why do dwarf planets have other objects near their orbits?
Dwarf planets do not have enough gravity to clear out all other objects.
What do the initials SSSBs stand for?
What is the name of the region between Mars and Jupiter that contains most of the asteroids?
Asteroid belt.
What are the two main parts of a comet?
Head and tail.
What is another name for a meteor?
Shooting star.
What is unique about Pluto's orbit compared to other planets?
It is more ecliptic and is tilted more than 17°.
Would small solar system bodies make a large planet if gathered together?
No
What is the composition of asteroids?
Loose collection of boulders covered in gravel and dust.
When does the tail of a comet form?
When the comet enters the inner solar system.
What are meteorites?
Meteors that survive passage through the atmosphere and reach the earth's surface.
What astronomer discovered Pluto?
Clyde Tombaugh
How many groups do SSSB's fit into?
3
What do the initials NEAs stand for?
Near-earth asteroids
Name the famous comet whose next appearance will be in 2061.
Halley's Comet
How are meteorites classified?
By appearance and the amount of metal and minerals they contain.
Name the 5 dwarf planets.
Pluto, Eris, Haumea, Makemake, Ceres
Name the groups of SSB's.
Asteroids, comets, meteors.
What are the two large families of asteroids, Trojans and Greeks, named after?
Characters of the war in the poem THE ILLIAD.
What happens when a comet's orbit carries it toward the sun?
The ices melt and then blow off gas, carrying bits of rock and dust with it. Sunlight reflects against the fine matter, forming a "tail".
Name the largest meteorite ever discovered.
Hoba West