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kidcider3
American Goldfinch
Local moderator
 
   
  
 
 
Since: 05-12-06
From: Duluth, MN
Since last post: 1034 days
Last activity: 846 days
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In Prague, the IAU had a discussion for 1 week about planetary objects and their classification. With geologists, they determined a new definition of a planet to be
""(1) A planet1 is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
(2) A dwarf planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape2, (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects3 orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies".
Pluto is a dwarf planet by the above definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.""
This now constitutes eight planets in our solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/iau0602/index.html
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soth13
Northern Oriole
Administrator
 
Since: 02-06-06
From: Inver Grove Heights, MN
Since last post: 11 days
Last activity: 7 days
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| Does it really matter what we call it? As long as we know it exsists and we study it for the sake of studying. For pizzas sake, just because you pour frosted flakes into an empty box of fruit loops doesn't transform them. People get so worked up over titles, I mean its not like Pluto cares! |
kidcider3
American Goldfinch
Local moderator
Since: 05-12-06
From: Duluth, MN
Since last post: 1034 days
Last activity: 846 days
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| yea, now all the school systems have to teach it out of the planetary system, even though they have taught it the other way since the 1930s or so, when it was discovered. I feel bad for Pluto, being underestimated so much. I fear Pluto's wrath! |
Mega-Dog
Cedar Waxwing
System Operator
 
Since: 02-02-06
From: Minnesota
Since last post: 13 days
Last activity: 2 days
 
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| I saw this the other day when I went to check my mail on my phone. I think it is interesting how it is classified as a giant rock now. |
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