Dwarf planets
Latest about Dwarf planets
Curious kids: What is a dwarf planet?
By Vahe Peroomian published
In 2006, and after much debate, the International Astronomical Union came up with a new definition for a planet. And for the first time, the term "dwarf planet" was used.
Strange dwarf planet Ceres may have formed at the icy edges of the solar system
By Paul Sutter last updated
Ceres is the most dominant member of the asteroid belt but it doesn't look like the other asteroids.
This crater on dwarf planet Ceres that may hold another icy volcano, scientists say
By Elizabeth Howell published
The finding comes from a fresh analysis of old data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which finished its mission in 2018.
Interstellar object 'Oumuamua is a pancake-shaped chunk of a Pluto-like planet
By Charles Q. Choi last updated
'Oumuamua, the first known visitor from interstellar space, was likely a pancake-shaped chip off a Pluto-like world.
This giant crater on Ceres with bright spots may be the most fascinating place in the solar system
By Meghan Bartels last updated
For a few months in 2018, as NASA's Dawn spacecraft used up its last drops of fuel, it gave scientists an incredibly detailed look at one of the strangest places in the solar system: Occator Crater.
'The Goblin' dwarf planet and an ancient quasar receive Hawaiian names
By Meghan Bartels published
Two incredibly strange celestial objects whose discoveries trace, in part, to observatories at the summit of Maunakea now carry the peak with them in official names inspired by Hawaiian culture.
Eris: The First Dwarf Planet
By Nola Taylor Tillman published
The discovery of Eris led to Pluto's demotion to dwarf planet.
Telescope Teamwork Reveals Gas Dwarf Planet's Atmosphere
By Elizabeth Howell published
Two NASA telescopes peered more closely than ever before at a planet shedding gas into space.
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