Why is Pluto an Exoplanet?

Pluto is not classified as an exoplanet; rather, it is considered a dwarf planet within our Solar System. The term ‘exoplanet’ refers to any planet that exists outside of our own solar system, orbiting a star other than the Sun.

Pluto was originally categorized as the ninth planet in our Solar System until 2006, when the International Astronomical Union redefined the criteria for planet status. According to the new guidelines, a celestial body must meet three criteria to be classified as a planet: it must orbit the Sun, be spherical in shape due to its own gravity, and have cleared its orbital neighborhood of other debris. While Pluto meets the first two criteria, it does not meet the third because its orbit overlaps with that of other objects in the Kuiper Belt.

As a result, Pluto was reclassified as a ‘dwarf planet.’ This change sparked debate and discussion within the astronomy community and the public, as Pluto had been a fixture in our understanding of the Solar System for many decades. So, in summary, Pluto is not an exoplanet; it remains a fascinating part of our Solar System as a dwarf planet.

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