Understanding Changes in Planetary Classification

What significant event in 2006 changed the way we view our solar system?

• The discovery of a new planet

• The first human landing on Mars

• The reclassification of Pluto

• The launch of a new space telescope

Who discovered Ceres, and what was it initially classified as?

• Giuseppe Piazzi, a planet

• Isaac Newton, a comet

• Albert Einstein, an asteroid

• Galileo Galilei, a star

What led to the reclassification of Ceres and similar objects in the asteroid belt?

• Their proximity to the Sun

• Their large size compared to other planets

• The discovery of many similar objects

• Their unique color and composition

In 2006, what new classification was given to both Pluto and Ceres?

• Dwarf planets

• Minor planets

• Asteroids

• Comets

What makes Ceres unique in the asteroid belt?

• It is the only object with rings

• It is the closest object to the Sun

• It is the only object recognized as a dwarf planet

• It is the smallest object