Geophysical Planet Definition
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According to the geophysical planet definition, (GPD), a planet is a sub-stellar mass objected in space that is round by self gravity, regardless of its orbit. This definition has been used implicitly in the professional literature for decades. Dwarf planets and round moons are counted as planets, which are not required to “clear their neighborhood” as in the IAU planet definition. With over 120 dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt, dwarf planets are the most common type of planet in the Solar System. Professional planetary scientists commonly refer to planets as being terrestrial planets, gas giant planets, ice giant planets, and dwarf planets. Broad Diversity of Planets Planetary scientists commonly categorize planets as terrestrial planets, gas giant planets, ice giant planets, and dwarf planets, with other sub-categories (or adjectives) also used. Planets orbiting other planets in our solar system (round moons) can be considered planets. While giant planets contain most of the non-Solar mass in the Solar System, small planets are far more common than large planets.
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