Why Is PLUTO Not A Planet? | Dwarf Planet | Space Video | Dr Binocs Show | Peekaboo Kidz

Summary

This script delves into the fascinating history and controversy surrounding Pluto's declassification from a planet to a dwarf planet. It explains the three criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for celestial bodies to be considered planets and why Pluto failed to meet the third, leading to its reclassification. The video also introduces other dwarf planets like Eris, Haumea, and Makemake, and shares intriguing trivia about Pluto, such as its ice volcanoes and subsurface ocean.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script starts with a playful introduction to the topic of planets, specifically addressing Pluto's status.
• 🌟 Pluto was once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, but this changed in 2006.
• 🔍 The International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a 'dwarf planet' due to not meeting all criteria for a full planet status.
• 🌍 The IAU has three criteria for a celestial body to be considered a planet: orbiting the sun, being spherical, and clearing its orbit of other debris.
• 🚀 Pluto meets the first two criteria but fails the third due to the presence of other celestial bodies in its orbit, such as in the Kuiper Belt.
• 🧐 Other celestial bodies like Haumea and Makemake were also identified as dwarf planets, similar to Pluto.
• 🔎 The discovery of Eris, which is even larger than Pluto, further complicated the classification of celestial bodies in our solar system.
• 👧 The name 'Pluto' was suggested by an 11-year-old girl named Venetia Burney in 1930.
• 🌋 Pluto is unique for having ice volcanoes and a possible subsurface ocean.
• 📘 The reclassification of Pluto led to updates in educational materials and textbooks.
• 🌐 The script ends with a trivia fact and a sign-off from the host, Dr. Binox.

Q & A

What was the ultimate million-dollar question asked in the script?

The ultimate million-dollar question was 'Which is the smallest planet in our solar system?'

Why was Pluto initially considered a planet?

Pluto was initially considered a planet because it revolved around the Sun and was spherical in shape.

What event in 2006 changed Pluto's status from a planet to something else?

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) declared Pluto as not a planet, which changed its status.

What are the three essential criteria for a celestial body to be classified as a planet according to the IAU?

The three essential criteria are: the object should revolve around the Sun, it should be spherical in shape, and it should have cleared the neighborhood around its orbit of other objects.

Why does Pluto not meet the third criterion for being a planet?

Pluto does not meet the third criterion because it has not cleared the neighborhood objects around its orbit, as there are other celestial bodies in its vicinity.

What is the status of Pluto after it was reclassified by the IAU?

After being reclassified, Pluto's status is that of a dwarf planet.

What are the names of the two planets found in the Kuiper belt similar to Pluto?

The two planets found in the Kuiper belt similar to Pluto are Haumea and Makemake.

Which celestial body discovered in 2005 was bigger than Pluto?

Eris was discovered in 2005 and was found to be bigger than Pluto.

Who suggested the name 'Pluto' for the celestial body discovered in 1930?

Vanessa Bernie, an 11-year-old at the time, suggested the name 'Pluto'.

What unique features does Pluto have that are not common among other planets in the solar system?

Pluto has unique features such as ice volcanoes and an ocean hidden under its icy surface.

What is the name of the presenter in the script, and what is their closing remark?

The presenter's name is Dr. Binox, and their closing remark is 'until next time it's me, Dr. Binox zooming out, on never mind'.