Ceres is considered a(n) (Select All the answers that are correct)Group of answer choicesplanetdwarf planetPlutoidasteroidcometmoon

To determine the correct classifications of Ceres, let's look at the definitions of the potential categories provided.

1. Dwarf Planet: Ceres is classified as a dwarf planet. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a dwarf planet is a celestial object that orbits the Sun, is spherical in shape due to its own gravity, but has not cleared its neighboring region of other debris. Ceres fits this description.

2. Plutoid: This term specifically refers to a subset of dwarf planets that orbit beyond Neptune. Since Ceres is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, it does not qualify as a plutoid.

3. Asteroid: Ceres was originally classified as an asteroid upon its discovery. It is still considered to be part of the asteroid belt, but it has been reclassified as a dwarf planet.

4. Comet: Ceres is not a comet. Comets are made of ice, dust, and rocky materials and typically have a sublimating nucleus that creates a tail when they get close to the Sun. Ceres does not meet these criteria.

5. Moon: Ceres is not a moon; it is an independent celestial body that orbits the Sun.

Final Answer

Ceres is classified as a dwarf planet and can also be considered an asteroid due to its location in the asteroid belt. Thus, the correct selections are:

• Dwarf planet
• Asteroid