Nine, No, Make That Twelve Planets

[sdelmonte]

From the IAU meeting in Prague, it's the new definition of a planet. Which would bestow that status on Pluto still, but also on Charon (formerly Pluto's presumed moon), Ceres and "Xena." Twleve other objects might also be elgible for planet status.

The resolution would also distinguish between "classical planets" such as the original eight known to man and "dwarf planets." And between the classical planets and bodies like Pluto which would be called "plutons."

The new definition of a planet is simple - it's more or less round, and in orbit around the Sun. And it seems arbitrary. I like the idea of separating between objects with more regular orbits and everything else, but the rest strikes me as potentially confusing to the geenral public and not very well thought out. As much as I want to see Pluto stay a planet, maybe it would be better to just call the Big Eight planets rather than engage in a multiplcation of orbiting entities.

Read the article, follow the links to the actual draft resolution, and let me what you think.

Meanwhile, the Red Lectroids from Planet Ten are upset that under the new defintion their stil-undiscovered planet would have to be renamed Planet Thirteen. :)

Comments

[immortalthief.livejournal.com]

And this is what made toady a good day. I'm not sure if anything could get me down now.

*glees*

Sometimes I love being a geek....Okay I always love being a geek but these moments are particularly special.

[immortalthief.livejournal.com]

Okay I deleted my earlier comment because I hadn't played follow the link far enough and iin fact I like the new definition. There may be quit a few more planets out there but they do have a different classification then that of the eight classical planets. I like what they have done and I think that it is very reasonable. I would also like to point out that in the is pluto and planet or not debate I have been a proponant of it not being a planet but I am satified with it being considered a pluton.

Yes, I am happy with the commitee's desision.