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 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.
The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.

The planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit.

Answer 1

The most reasonable conclusion is:

The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.

In the context of celestial mechanics, a planetoid slowing down in its orbit could suggest the influence of another gravitational force, possibly from a nearby massive object that is altering its trajectory or speed. Friction is negligible in the vacuum of space, and a change in orbit type would not typically cause a consistent slowing without an external force acting on the planetoid.