What are the smallest and biggest dwarf planets of our solar system?
1 Answer
Mar 6, 2017
The smallest dwarf planet is Ceres and the largest is Pluto.
Explanation:
The term dwarf planet was introduced in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The definition of a dwarf planet is that it orbits the Sun and it is large enough for gravity to make it roughly spherical.
To be a full planet it also has to have cleared its orbit of other bodies, except for moons.
The IAU has identified 5 dwarf planets in our solar system, although there are now other candidates. The 5 dwarf planets in descending order of size are Pluto, Eris, Makemake, Haumea and Ceres.
The smallest Ceres is in the Asteroid Belt. The others, including the largest Pluto, are Trans Neptunian Objects (TNO) which are further from the Sun than Neptune.
