Observing a planetoid orbiting far from the sun, astronomers notice that the object slows down in its orbit in a way they did not expect. Which is a reasonable conclusion?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit.
The planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit.

The planetoid is slowing due to friction.
The planetoid is slowing due to friction.

The planetoid is being repelled by something.
The planetoid is being repelled by something.

The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object

Answer 1

The most reasonable conclusion is:

The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.

This is a plausible explanation for the unexpected change in its orbital speed, as gravitational interactions with other bodies can alter an object's trajectory and speed. The other options are less likely given the context of celestial mechanics, where friction is negligible in the vacuum of space, and repulsion is not a typical behavior in gravitational interactions.