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A '''dwarf planet''' is a satellite of the [[Sun]] that meets the following criteria now set by the [[International Astronomical Union]]:{{Cquote|(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, (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.<ref>"[http://www.iau.org/iau0602.423.0.html IAU0602: the Final IAU Resolution on the Definition of 'Planet' Ready for Voting]," ''International Astronomical Union'', 2005. Accessed January 14, 2008.</ref>}}

A '''dwarf planet''' is a satellite of the [[Sun]] that meets the following criteria now set by the [[International Astronomical Union]]:{{Cquote|(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, (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.<ref>"[http://www.iau.org/iau0602.423.0.html IAU0602: the Final IAU Resolution on the Definition of 'Planet' Ready for Voting]," ''International Astronomical Union'', 2005. Accessed January 14, 2008.</ref>}}

The definition was adopted on 24 August, 2006, as part of a three-way classification of bodies orbiting the Sun.<ref>http://www.iau.org/static/resolutions/Resolution_GA26-5-6.pdf</ref> This classification defines [[planet|planets]] as "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 neighborhood around its orbit."

The definition was adopted on 24 August 2006, as part of a three-way classification of bodies orbiting the Sun.<ref>http://www.iau.org/static/resolutions/Resolution_GA26-5-6.pdf</ref> This classification defines [[planet]]s as "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 neighborhood around its orbit."

Next follows dwarf planets, followed by Small Solar System Bodies, which are defined as "celestial bodies that are not massive enough to be rounded by their own gravity."

Next follows dwarf planets, followed by Small Solar System Bodies, which are defined as "celestial bodies that are not massive enough to be rounded by their own gravity."

As of March 19, 2013; scientists have identified 394 objects which could possibly be classified as dwarf planets by the IAU. <ref>http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~mbrown/dps.html</ref>

As of March 19, 2013; scientists have identified 394 objects which could possibly be classified as dwarf planets by the IAU.<ref>http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~mbrown/dps.html</ref>

{{Solarsystem}}

{{Solarsystem}}

== See Also ==

== See also ==

* [[Planet]]

* [[Planet]]

* [[Eris]]

* [[Eris]]