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?

a) the planetoid is slowing due to friction.

b) the planetoid is being repelled by something.

c) the planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.

d) the planetoid is beginning to change its type of orbit.

c) The planetoid is being attracted toward another massive object.

Explanation:

We can rule out a, the planetoid is travelling through space, friction is effectively nonexistent. B can be ruled out as well, as there is nothing in space that could naturally repel a planetoid. D is also implausible, as the question says the planetoid slows down for a certain period in its orbit, suggesting this behavior is repeated. Option c is incredibly likely, as the planetoid is far from the sun, a large mass, possibly far smaller than the sun but also far closer to the planetoid, could have the effect described in the question.