Dwarf planets and candidates. Computer artwork of the 3 dwarf planets (Eris,Pluto and Ceres),12 dwarf planet candidates and Charon,a satellite of Pluto,next to the Earth (bottom right). Left to right,starting at top left these are; Eris,2003 EL61,Orcus,Sedna,2005 FY9,Quaoar,Ixion,2002 TX300,Varuna,2002 AW197,Ceres,Pallas,Vesta,Hygiea,Pluto and Charon. A dwarf planet is defined as an object large enough to be spherical due to its gravity,and with an independent orbit around the Sun. A true planet has to dominate its orbit around the Sun. Pluto,Eris,2003 EL61,Orcus,Sedna,2005 FY9,Quaoar,Ixion,2002 TX300,Varuna and 2002 AW197 Kuiper Belt objects. Ceres,Pallas,Vesta and Hygiea are asteroid belt objects |