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The Solar System

The Planets - Pluto.

The information below is included to let you know a
little more about the planets in our solar system.
You will not be expected to remember this information for the exam.

In the past Pluto was thought to be the ninth planet
from the Sun. It is now classified as a dwarf planet.

Pluto spins on its axis once in about 6 days.
The surface temperature of Pluto is about -230°C.

Pluto has the most elliptical orbit of the planets. It spends
some time closer to the Sun than Neptune (see picture).

Pluto has a higher density than the other outer planets
and is probably made from ice and rocky material.

Pluto has five moons. The largest moon is called
Charon (pronounced "sharon").
The mass of Charon is about 12% that of Pluto.

Pluto itself is smaller than the Earth's moon
(see the summary for further information).

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