Pluto Regains Its Title as Largest Object in the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt

[CygnusX-1]

Rejoice, Pluto fans!

Distant world surpasses its rival, Eris, in new analysis.

Link: ScienceNOW

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

We'll get a final verdict in July 2015, when NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flies past Pluto and measures its exact size.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see :)

 

[glappkaeft]

And then we'd still have to wait for the final final verdict until we send a spacecraft past Eris.

 

[CygnusX-1]

And then we'd still have to wait for the final final verdict until we send a spacecraft past Eris.

Not really. Eris has no atmosphere, so the measurement of its diameter from the 2010 stellar occultation is much cleaner. If you follow the Eris link on the ScienceNOW story, you'll see the scientists claim they know the diameter to plus or minus 12 kilometers. The big problem is Pluto, which DOES have an atmosphere; that's why its diameter is so uncertain.

 

[pmacias]

- Pluto Regains Its Title as Largest Object in the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt

I believe it is important to remain objective and not let personal preferences cloud our judgment. While it is exciting news for Pluto fans that it has regained its title as the largest object in the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt, it is important to remember that scientific discoveries and classifications are constantly evolving and subject to change. The new analysis that shows Pluto surpassing Eris is a testament to the advancements in technology and our understanding of the outer solar system. I believe it is important to continue studying and exploring these distant worlds to gain a better understanding of our universe. So while we can certainly rejoice in this news, we must also remain open to new discoveries and be willing to revise our understanding as new information becomes available.