What new terms are used in the official IAU definition?
There are three new terms adopted as official definitions by the IAU. The terms are: planet, dwarf planet and small Solar System body. Q: In plain language, what is the new definition of planet? A: A planet is an object in orbit around the Sun that is large enough (massive enough) to have its self-gravity pull itself into a round (or near-spherical) shape. In addition a planet orbits in a clear path around the Sun. If any object ventures near the orbit of a planet, it will either collide with the planet, and thereby be accreted, or be ejected into another orbit. Q: What is the exact wording of the official IAU proposed definition of planet? A: A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit. Q: Does a body have to be perfectly spherical to be called a planet? A: No. For exam
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