The solar system, in addition to 8 large celestial bodies, comets and asteroids, also consists of small planets that do not fit into any of these categories and do not belong to dwarf ones. They have their own orbits, which have not changed for millions of years. To date, scientists have managed to detect about 400 thousand of such celestial bodies. But it is estimated that their numbers could be billions.
The celestial bodies of the solar system falling into this category should have a size greater than 50 m and not show cometary activity. Depending on their location relative to the Sun, all minor planets are classified. They were divided into separate groups. Many are interested in the question of what the small planets are called, and who gives them names. It is worth noting that the discoverer invents the name of the celestial body, but it must still be approved by a commission of scientists. Each of its members expresses its opinion on the correct use of the name, and then a collegial decision is made.
The first small planet was discovered in 1801. The discoverer was Giuseppe Piazzi, who called her Ceres. Similar celestial bodies discovered later on were called the names of ancient Greek or Roman gods and heroes. But it soon became clear that they were countless. Therefore, we had to rethink their classification system in the future. So, by what principle and what are the minor planets called?
Closest to the Sun is a class of volcanoes. Among them, not a single planet has yet been discovered because of the proximity of the star. Then come the atons, which are located a little closer to the Sun than the Earth and never cross our orbit. Near Mars is the Mars Trojan class, which has four planets. Also known are the groups of Apollos and Cupids. Near Jupiter, the Trojans grouped, and closer to Neptune, a centaur belt is located. Neptune Trojans are located near the orbit of this planet, followed by
trans-Neptune objects, and the farthest celestial bodies form the Kuiper belt.
The way small planets are called also depends on the group to which they belong. So, if this is a class of Trojans, then the celestial bodies get the names of the heroes of the Trojan War, if the centaurs - mythological half-humans, Kuiper - the progenitors of religions and creator gods. But there are also names of rulers, cultural and scientific figures, names of continents and countries. In Soviet times, the Crimean Observatory was engaged in the discovery of celestial objects. At that time, many names of Russian writers, scientists and other figures were immortalized. Therefore, the name of the minor planets is completely dependent on the discoverer.
Very often there is an opinion that the concept of a "small
parade of planets" is somehow connected with similar celestial bodies. However, it is not. This is a phenomenon when four major planets come together. It happens every 20 years. For it to happen, it is necessary to converge the ecliptic longitudes of objects from the side of the earth observer. Visually, it will look like a close proximity to the sky. They also distinguish a large parade, visible or invisible. To get a great parade of planets, you need to connect five or more celestial bodies at once.