What is a smaller planet?

A smaller planet is any heavenly object that turns around the sun and is not classified as a traditional planet or comet. There are different categories of small planets, including asteroids, Trojan horses and centaurs. The designation of dwarf planets was created in 2006, when many smaller planets were placed in this category. Other astronomical objects that are classified as modern planets include Trans-Neeptune objects and Kuiper belts.

There are more than 500 million smaller planets in the universe and others are discovered almost daily. In 1801, Ceres was the first smaller planet to be discovered. Since then, it has been classified as a dwarf planet, as well as Pluto and a large number of other smaller planets. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) again categorized many comets and smaller planets, renaming many of them as dwarf planets and small bodies of the solar system. While each is categorized by a specific shape, orbital andGravity standards, all are generally referred to as smaller planets.

In 2006, Pluto, classified as a planet since its discovery in 1930, was degraded to a smaller planet. This reclassification occurred after the discovery of Eris in 2005. Initially, Eris was referred to as the 10th planet, although it has a larger diameter than Pluto. This discovery led IAU to reassess the definition and required new standards for the heavenly body to be classified as a planet. According to the new standards, Pluto and Eris joined Haume, Makemate and Ceres to be classified as a dwarf planets.

For smaller planets, special naming procedures were determined. For example, Trans-Neptun objects are named after the underworld of ghosts, Trojan horses after the Trojan war heroes and Centaurs after mythological centaur. Assigning the name is an extremely detailed process that may take decades. Only discoverer nEzleteléloplanet has the opportunity to design the names of the Nomenclature Committee for a small body.

Once specific and detailed requirements are met, names may be set before the name committee. This committee consists of 15 professional astronomers from various places around the world. The proposed names cannot be similar to any existing planetary satellite or smaller planet, it must not be a length of longer than 16 characters and be expressive. It prefers that the proposed name is composed of one word and is endless. In addition, the names of pets are discouraged and any name that is of commercial nature is not accepted.