What is the name of the region beyond the orbit of Pluto believed to be full of comets?

Prepare for the LMHS NJROTC Academic Team Test. Study using comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by detailed explanations and valuable hints to ensure your success. Get ready for your exam now!

The region beyond the orbit of Pluto that is believed to contain a vast number of comets is known as the Kuiper Belt. This area is a disc-shaped zone filled with icy bodies and is located roughly 30 to 50 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. The Kuiper Belt is significant in the study of planetary formation and the history of our solar system because it is thought to contain remnants from its early development.

The Kuiper Belt includes many dwarf planets, including Pluto, Haumea, and Makemake, along with a large number of small celestial objects that have not yet been fully characterized. Its discovery has enhanced our understanding of the outer solar system and the types of bodies that can exist far from the Sun.

The other options describe different regions or phenomena in the solar system. The Meteor Belt is not a commonly recognized term in this context; the Asteroid Belt is located between Mars and Jupiter, and it primarily contains rocky bodies; the Heliopause refers to the boundary where the solar wind from the Sun interacts with interstellar space. These distinctions clarify why the correct identification pertains to the Kuiper Belt.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy