Plutoid

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/plutoid

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the orbital semi-major axis?Greater than Neptune's orbital semi-major axis (approximately 30 AU)
2. What is the hydrostatic equilibrium?Possess sufficient mass to achieve a nearly round shape due to self-gravity
3. Why are they called "plutoids"?They are named after Pluto, the first discovered object of this type. The name also shows that they are similar to Pluto and live beyond Neptune.
4. How many plutoids do we know about?Scientists have found at least four plutoids: Pluto, Eris, Makemake, and Haumea. More may be discovered as telescopes get better.

Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO): Any minor planet in the Solar System whose orbit lies entirely or partially beyond that of Neptune.
Hydrostatic Equilibrium: The balance between the gravitational force pulling inward and the internal pressure pushing outward, resulting in a spherical shape.
Planetary Accretion: The process by which dust and gas in a protoplanetary disc gradually clump together to form larger bodies, eventually leading to planets.