A planet is a celestial body that meets the following criteria, as defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU):

• • Orbits a star (such as the Sun in our solar system).
  • Has sufficient mass for its gravity to shape it into a nearly round form (meaning it has reached hydrostatic equilibrium).
  • Clears its orbit of other debris, meaning it has become gravitationally dominant in its region of space and removed or captured smaller objects along its orbit. This definition distinguishes planets from smaller bodies like dwarf planets (e.g., Pluto, which has not cleared its orbital path) and asteroids.