What Causes Pluto's Elliptical Orbit Around the Sun?

In summary, the conversation discusses the fact that while most planets follow a consistent radius in their orbit around the sun, Pluto's orbit is more elliptical and inconsistent with the curve in spacetime. This is potentially due to its status as a dwarf planet and its 3:2 mean motion resonance with Neptune. The conversation also mentions a request for calculations to support this information.
  • #1
jadunne
2
0
I understand that planets orbit follows a curve in spacetime created by the sun. Most of the planets follow the curve with seemingly a consistent radius. However Pluto follows an ellipse around the sun an appears to be inconsistent with the curve in spacetime created by the sun. Apologies if this is far too a simplistic question, but what gravitational forces are in play that cause Pluto’s ellipse orbit?


Thanks in advance,

J
 
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  • #2
All planets orbit the Sun on elliptical orbits, Pluto's is just more elliptical than the others.

Perhaps that is because it is a dwarf planet.

It's orbit is also in a 3:2 mean motion resonance with Neptune's.

Garth
 
  • #3
pluto is no a planet.
 
  • #4
jadunne said:
However Pluto follows an ellipse around the sun an appears to be inconsistent with the curve in spacetime created by the sun.

Can you show us the calculations where you derive this?
 

What is the orbit of the planet Pluto?

The orbit of the planet Pluto is an elliptical path around the sun. It is tilted at an angle of 17 degrees from the plane of the solar system and takes approximately 248 Earth years to complete one orbit.

How far is Pluto from the sun?

At its closest point, Pluto is about 2.66 billion miles away from the sun. At its farthest point, it can be as far as 4.67 billion miles away from the sun. This extreme distance is due to its elliptical orbit.

Why is Pluto no longer considered a planet?

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a "dwarf planet" instead of a full-fledged planet. This decision was made because Pluto did not meet all of the criteria for being classified as a planet, specifically its size and orbit.

How does the orbit of Pluto compare to the other planets in our solar system?

Pluto's orbit is unique compared to the other planets in our solar system. It has a much more elongated and tilted orbit, and it also crosses the orbit of Neptune, making it the only planet to do so.

What is the significance of Pluto's orbit in our understanding of the solar system?

The unique orbit of Pluto has provided scientists with valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. Its orbit has also allowed us to discover other objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune where many icy bodies are located.

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