Dwarf planets. Computer artwork of three dwarf planets next to the Earth (right), showing their relative sizes. From left: Eris (formerly 2003 UB313), Charon, and Ceres. A dwarf planet is defined as an object large enough to be spherical due to its gravity, and with an independent orbit around the Sun (ie. not a satellite of a planet). A true planet, such as the Earth, has to dominate its orbit around the Sun. Eris fails because it is one of many Kuiper Belt objects in the outer solar system. Ceres fails because it is one of many objects in the asteroid belt. Charon can be considered a satellite of Pluto (a dwarf planet), or a dwarf planet in its own right.