Trivia ForgePlay free →

What is the term for a celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical, and has cleared its neighborhood of other objects?

Show answer

Planet

This definition, adopted by the IAU in 2006, led to Pluto being reclassified as a 'dwarf planet' because it has not cleared its orbital path of other debris in the Kuiper Belt.

Also asked as:
  • According to the IAU definition, what is a spherical celestial body that orbits the Sun and has cleared its orbital neighborhood?

Would you remember this in 6 months?

Trivia Forge uses spaced repetition so facts stick. Free, no signup needed.

Practice Space & Astronomy questions →

More Space & Astronomy trivia

See all 212 →