This portal provides basic knowledge on astronomy and highlights current research projects and collaborations in Switzerland.

Image: ESO

Dwarf planets

Dwarf planet Pluto
Dwarf planet Pluto
Dwarf planet PlutoImage: NASA/JHU APL/SwRI/Alex Parker
Image: NASA/JHU APL/SwRI/Alex Parker

A dwarf planet is a spherical, massive body. It orbits the Sun. However, unlike a planet, its orbit is not free of other celestial bodies. Pluto has been categorised as a dwarf planet. It is in the company of the plutinos, a number of objects whose orbits are comparable to the orbit of Pluto.