Planeoidit

Planeoidit is a term that has been used in some contexts to refer to objects within the Solar System that are larger than asteroids but smaller than planets. The term is not officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which is the body responsible for astronomical nomenclature. The IAU has defined specific criteria for classifying celestial bodies, including planets, dwarf planets, and small Solar System bodies.

The concept of planeoidit emerged partly due to the discovery of numerous objects in the outer Solar System, such as those in the Kuiper Belt, that exhibit characteristics challenging the traditional planetary classification. For instance, Eris, discovered in 2005, was initially considered a potential tenth planet, but its size and orbit led the IAU to establish the dwarf planet category in 2006. This new category includes objects that orbit the Sun, are massive enough for their own gravity to pull them into a nearly round shape, but have not cleared the neighborhood around their orbit of other debris.

While the term planeoidit might still be encountered in some discussions or older literature, the current scientific consensus relies on the IAU's established definitions. Objects that would have potentially been labeled as planeoidit are now classified as dwarf planets or small Solar System bodies, depending on their specific characteristics and orbital environment. This classification system provides a more precise framework for understanding the diverse population of celestial objects within our Solar System.

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