a good read on the pluto debate

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

Long known as the ninth planet, Pluto was downgraded by the International Astronomy Union in 2006, sparking a vituperative spat between two scientists that has sparked a debate about how we understand the universe

By Andrew Anthony / The Observer

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/edit...5/2003645521/1

[Kunama]

Interesting read, though, to me Pluto will always be the ninth planet in our solar system. Just because of a vote, taken by a bunch of nerds, my view will not change on this.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

same here - that clearing the neighbourhood 'requirement' should be scrapped.

[The_bluester (Paul)]

Given Pluto crosses the orbit of Neptune, you could argue that Neptune has not "Cleared the neighborhood" so should be demoted.

[OICURMT]

Originally Posted by The_bluester

Given Pluto crosses the orbit of Neptune, you could argue that Neptune has not "Cleared the neighborhood" so should be demoted.

Their orbits do not ever cross in 3D space...

[bojan]

The whole discussion is totally irrelevant IMO.
However, all those snowy balls are very similar in size and composition... and VERY different from gas giants.
And, the planet migration and "cleaning" the neighbourhood from debris was very important phase in the evolution of the Solar system… so they used it in attempt to draw some lines between the various classes/types of planetary bodies that orbit Sol.

[astroron (Ron)]

So this hypothetical planet X=9 which is not seen and is nearly out to 1 light year,how can they know if it has cleared it orbit either. ?
It means they are going on the guestimated size and mass and nothing else.
Cheers

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

same here - that clearing the neighbourhood 'requirement' should be scrapped.

Based on that waffle of an idea, there are no planets. Besides, it would be nice to boast that we have a solar system containing a hundred planets. Anyone taking a casual look at Cere's, let alone the Pluto/Charon system can hardly call them random rocks... Brown's berks have, like, slipped dudes..

[OICURMT]

What about bodies that do not have an orbit?

e.g. CFBDSIR 2149-0403

[el_draco (Rom)]

Originally Posted by OICURMT

What about bodies that do not have an orbit?

e.g. CFBDSIR 2149-0403

According to the definition, it aint a planet.. Gets dumber by the moment, doesn't it?

[Atmos (Colin)]

I didn't lose any sleep over the Pluto demotion, prefer that scenario to have some 13 planets to remember! Ceres is a large rock / dwarf planet and should remain so