Are there Nine Planets in the Solar System? Justify!
Last Updated :
18 Jan, 2024
No, there are eight recognized planets in the Solar System as of now.
The Solar System consists of eight planets, following the reclassification of Pluto in 2006:
- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars: These are the four inner, terrestrial planets.
- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune: These are the four outer, gas giant planets.
The key reasons for this count are:
- Pluto’s Reclassification: In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planethood. Pluto did not meet one crucial criterion – “clearing its orbit” of other debris. Hence, it was reclassified as a “dwarf planet.”
- Dwarf Planets: Besides Pluto, there are other dwarf planets like Eris, Haumea, and Makemake, which are not counted as main planets.
- Scientific Consensus: The current scientific consensus agrees on eight planets, with Pluto and other similar celestial bodies classified separately to maintain clarity and consistency in the definition of a planet.
This reclassification reflects our evolving understanding of the Solar System and the need for precise scientific definitions.
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