Pluto is in a 2:3 resonance orbit with Neptune. What does this mean?
A) During the time Neptune orbits the Sun 3 times, Pluto orbits it twice.
B) During the time Neptune orbits the Sun twice, Pluto orbits it 3 times.
C) Neptune rotates on its axis 3 times while Pluto rotates twice about its axis.
D) Neptune's mean orbital radius is 2/3 of Pluto's mean orbital radius.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This means that for every 3 orbits Neptune completes around the Sun, Pluto completes 2 orbits. This orbital resonance helps prevent their orbits from becoming unstable due to gravitational interactions.

Pluto Is in a 2:3 Resonance Orbit with Neptune