Description: A dwarf planet is a celestial body with the following properties: It orbits around the Sun, has enough mass to obtain a nearly round shape, has not cleared its path along its orbit, and is not a moon. Dwarf planets tend to orbit in regions made up of similar bodies, as in the case of the asteroid belt and Kuiper belt. In general, dwarf planets are smaller than Mercury, with icy, rocky structures. The amount of ice relative to the rocks depends on their position in the Solar System. Pluto is the most famous dwarf planet. The term dwarf planet should not be confused with the obsolete term minor planet.

Related Terms:

• Asteroid
• Asteroid Belt
• Kuiper Belt
• Minor Planet
• Pluto
• Trans-Neptunian Object
• Small Solar System Body

Term and definition status: This term and its definition have been approved by a research astronomer and a teacher

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