Most astronomers feel that there are many additional large, icy bodies beyond the orbit of Pluto. Which of the following is NOT used as a major argument in favor of this hypothesis?
A)comparison with observations of other solar systems
B)multiple nature of the Pluto system
C)retrograde orbit of Neptune's satellite, Triton
D)abundance of craters observed on planets and moons in the outer solar system

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The abundance of craters observed on planets and moons in the outer solar system is not directly related to the hypothesis of additional large, icy bodies beyond the orbit of Pluto. The other options are all major arguments in favor of this hypothesis. A comparison with observations of other solar systems suggests that our own system may have similar bodies, the multiple nature of the Pluto system implies that it was formed from the collision of many smaller bodies, and the retrograde orbit of Neptune's satellite, Triton, suggests that it was captured from the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune where many smaller icy bodies are known to exist.

Most Astronomers Feel That There Are Many Additional Large, Icy