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Q11 (CDS-I/2004) Science & Technology › Space & Defence Technology › Orbital mechanics and orbits Answer Verified

How does it happen that Pluto is not the fa rthest planet of the solar system now?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: D
Explanation

Pluto is not always the farthest planet from the Sun due to its substantial orbital eccentricity of approximately 0.25 [t2][t4]. While most planets have nearly circular orbits, Pluto's path is highly elongated and inclined at 17.2° to the ecliptic [t2][t6]. This high eccentricity causes Pluto's distance from the Sun to vary significantly, ranging from 29.7 AU at perihelion to 49.3 AU at aphelion [t2]. Consequently, Pluto's orbit 'cuts' or crosses inside the orbit of Neptune for a period of about 20 years during its 248-year revolution [t2][t4]. For instance, between 1979 and 1999, Pluto was closer to the Sun than Neptune, making Neptune the farthest planet during that interval [t2][t3]. Although they appear to cross, a 3:2 orbital resonance and orbital inclination prevent the two bodies from colliding [t1][t2].

Sources

  1. [1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Pluto-dwarf-planet
  2. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/pluto-planet
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