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Farewell Pluto?

Posted Aug 13, 2006 at 10:28AM by Remi M. Listed in: Celestial Bodies Tags: International Astronomical Union, Pluto, Neptune, Kuiper Belt
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Pluto and Charon


The planet Pluto is facing a serious demotion.

Soon, school kids may have to get used to saying that the solar system is consists of eight planets, not nine. At an International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference to be held later this month at Prague, a resolution that defines a planet is scheduled to be heard and considered. Pluto has always been different from the other planets - too small, erratic orbit, not enough of a rocky center etc. And this conference might decide if Pluto is indeed the ninth planet of the Solar System or just one of thousands of small, icy objects in the decidedly less glamorous Kuiper Belt, just beyond Neptune.

The IAU faces a dilemma here, if they decide that Pluto is a planet, then they should also consider Pluto-like masses as planets. If they decide that it isn't one, then a major change in Science will take place, starting with the Science textbooks. Some speculations say that it is unlikely for Pluto to be demoted because "egos" have gotten in the way, specifically US pride. Pluto is the only planet discovered by an American - Clyde W. Tombaugh. Whatever the International Astronomical Union decides on, we will surely keep you posted.

[Via Detroit Free Press] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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