Ceres was initially clas-sified as a planet and later classified as an asteroid. In recognition of its planet-like qualities, Ceres was designated a dwarf planet in 2006 along with Pluto and Eris.
Dawn's Ceres Color Map Reveals Surface Diversity
Apr 13, 2015 · A new color map of dwarf planet Ceres, which NASA's Dawn spacecraft has been orbiting since March, reveals the diversity of the surface of this planetary body.
In Depth | Our Solar System – NASA Solar System Exploration
Our solar system consists of our star, the Sun, and everything bound to it by gravity – the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; dwarf planets such as Pluto; …
In Depth | Moons – NASA Solar System Exploration
Phobos is slowly drawing closer to Mars and could crash into the planet in 40 or 50 million years. Or the planet's gravity might break Phobos apart, creating a thin ring around Mars.
Planet Compare - NASA Solar System Exploration
Oct 21, 2025 · NASA’s real-time science encyclopedia of deep space exploration. Our scientists and far-ranging robots explore the wild frontiers of our solar system.
Pluto By the Numbers - NASA Solar System Exploration
Oct 21, 2025 · Pluto was once our solar system's ninth planet, but has been reclassified as a dwarf planet. It's located in the Kuiper Belt.
Ceres' Bright Spots Come Back Into View - NASA Solar System …
Apr 20, 2015 · The two brightest spots on dwarf planet Ceres, which have fascinated scientists for months, are back in view in the newest images from NASA's Dawn spacecraft. Dawn took these …
Directory - NASA Solar System Exploration
MIchael Zeilnhofer is a recent Ph.D. graduate from Northern Arizona University who studies impact craters on a number of planetary bodies. He is huge advocate for public outreach for astronomy …
Instead, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union created a new class of objects called dwarf planet, and placed Pluto, Eris, and the asteroid Ceres in this category.
Psyche Raw Image: Imager A - NASA Solar System Exploration
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