The Uranus, Neptune and Pluto is part of World and Physical Geography. Below are notes on 1 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.
Discovery, Naming, and Classification (including Pluto's dwarf planet status)
- Uranus: Discovered by William Herschel in 1781. Initially named Georgium Sidus; later named Uranus.
- Neptune: Predicted mathematically by Urbain Le Verrier and John Couch Adams. Discovered observationally by Johann Galle in 1846. Named Neptune.
- Pluto: Discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. Named Pluto by Venetia Burney.
- Pluto's initial status: Classified as the ninth planet from 1930 to 2006.
12. The Moon ammonium hydrosulfide, and water ice, at increasing depths.
- A unique, persistent, hexagonal wave pattern, known as the Hexagonal Storm, is located at Saturn's North Pole.
- Saturn's atmosphere displays cloud bands (zones and belts), similar to Jupiter, but generally less distinct due to an overlying haze layer.
- Periodic, massive storm systems, sometimes referred to as "Great White Spots," can occur in Saturn's atmosphere.
- Pluto's reclassification (2006): The International Astronomical Union (IAU) established a new definition for a planet.
- IAU's planet definition: A celestial body must (1) orbit the Sun, (2) have sufficient mass to be nearly round, and (3) have cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
- Pluto's dwarf planet status: Failed the third criterion as it shares its orbital path with other Kuiper Belt objects.
- Outcome: Pluto was reclassified as a "dwarf planet" by the IAU in August 2006.
Practice MCQs: The Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
Discovery, Naming, and Classification (including Pluto's dwarf planet status)
Which of the following planets was demoted from its planetary status in our solar system ?
- Uranus
- Pluto
- Neptune
- Venus
Show answer
Answer: B. Pluto