Is Pluto Really Not a Planet Anymore?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reclassification of Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet, a decision made by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006. Participants express mixed feelings about this change, with some advocating for Pluto's status as a planet due to its substantial moon, Charon, while others accept the new classification. The debate touches on the implications of defining planets, particularly in relation to other celestial bodies like Eris, which is more massive than Pluto. The conversation also humorously explores the semantics of the term "dwarf planet" and its perceived meaning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) definitions
  • Familiarity with celestial bodies in the Kuiper Belt
  • Knowledge of the characteristics of dwarf planets, specifically Eris and Ceres
  • Basic grasp of astronomical classification systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the criteria for planet classification set by the IAU
  • Explore the characteristics and significance of Eris as a dwarf planet
  • Investigate the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system as a potential binary planet
  • Learn about other dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt, such as Haumea and Makemake
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Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and students interested in planetary classification and the ongoing debates surrounding celestial bodies in our solar system.

  • #31
Mech_Engineer said:
I think the discovery of Eris was a major deciding factor in the decision to define "dwarf planets." Eris is estimated 27% more massive than Pluto, so if Pluto was a planet Eris would have to be one too...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet )

hmmm...

so A-E-I-O-U and sometimes Y (and W?)

and M-V-E-M-J-S-U-N and sometimes Pluto (and Eris?)
 
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  • #32
Vagn said:
Wouldn't it make more sense for the whole phrase "dwarf planet" to be a noun in its own right, as is suggested by the Oxford Dictionary of English? Perhaps this would clearer if it was hyphenated.
You're probably right about that. But really, I rest my case. It's not incorrect, I think, just confusing to the general public. I don't like having to explain to people why a dwarf planet is not, in fact, a planet even though the word is right in there. It should be totally unnecessary.

That said, I'm not really losing sleep over it.
 
  • #33
Grep said:
That said, I'm not really losing sleep over it.

Yeah, but now I am! There's a grammatical nightmare afoot.
 
  • #34
FlexGunship said:
Yeah, but now I am! There's a grammatical nightmare afoot.
:bugeye: :smile:
 
  • #35
It's a red herring. Neither red, nor herring.
 
  • #36
Jimmy Snyder said:
It's a red herring. Neither red, nor herring.

Where?! *gets frying pan and oil*
 
  • #37
Chi Meson said:
Sedna? Haumea?

Quaoar!

How can you deny a dwarfie named Quaoar?!

True...but Quaoar only has a cool name, Sedna has a pretty orbit and Haumea is beautifully oval:biggrin:
kuiper.jpg

look at that sexy thing!:-p
 
  • #39
Chi Meson said:
Here's a nice composite of the largest TNOs:
I hadn't realized until now that the Earth is trans-Neptunian.
 
  • #40
HeLiXe said:
kuiper.jpg

look at that sexy thing!:-p

I think I am too old. It doesn't look sexy to me.
 
  • #41
Borek said:
I think I am too old. It doesn't look sexy to me.
You're not too old, you're just spoiled by Marzena.
 
  • #42
Jimmy Snyder said:
I hadn't realized until now that the Earth is trans-Neptunian.

And the largest!
 
  • #43
Borek said:
This is ridiculous. How can a dog be a planet.

Well, if you feed it enough...
 
  • #44
Borek said:
I think I am too old. It doesn't look sexy to me.
Perhaps you're more of a spherical guy?
 
  • #46
HeLiXe said:
True...but Quaoar only has a cool name, Sedna has a pretty orbit and Haumea is beautifully oval:biggrin:
kuiper.jpg

look at that sexy thing!:-p
It looks like an ostrich egg.
 
  • #47
Pluto is no longer a planet?

What's next: you going to tell me that Cruithne is no longer our moon?
 
  • #48
Astronuc said:
It looks like an ostrich egg.
>_> Now what am I supposed to say...if I agree, everyone will think I find ostrich eggs sexy!
Gokul43201 said:
What's next: you going to tell me that Cruithne is no longer our moon?

NO WAY! I never knew about this! Thanks Gokul, this completely blew my mind tonight.
 

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