- #61
tribdog
- 768
- 17
mine's not, don't know about yours
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the classification of Pluto as a planet following the International Astronomical Union's decision to redefine what constitutes a planet. Participants explore the implications of this decision on scientific classification, public perception, and even astrology, reflecting on the broader consequences of such a change in the context of the solar system.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express frustration over the decision to reclassify Pluto, questioning its scientific purpose and suggesting that it may lead to confusion in education.
- Others argue that the classification reflects differences in the origins and evolution of celestial bodies, with Pluto having more in common with Kuiper Belt objects than with the eight recognized planets.
- A few participants highlight the potential impact on astrology, with jokes about retroactive effects on horoscopes and the implications for astrological practices.
- Concerns are raised about the consistency and clarity of classification schemes, with some suggesting that the IAU's criteria are inadequate or poorly defined.
- There is a discussion about the historical context of celestial classifications, referencing Ceres and its changing status over time, which parallels Pluto's situation.
- Some participants note that the decision may lead to the discovery of many more objects that could also be classified as planets, complicating the educational landscape.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally disagree on the implications and validity of the IAU's decision regarding Pluto's status. Multiple competing views remain about the scientific rationale behind the classification and its broader consequences.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the lack of a clear definition for Kuiper Belt objects and the implications of classification on ongoing and future astronomical discoveries. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the adequacy of the IAU's criteria and the historical context of planetary classification.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in astronomy, planetary science, and the philosophical implications of scientific classification may find this discussion relevant.
- #62
EL
Science Advisor
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You know Myanus is not a planet...
- #63
DaveC426913
Gold Member
2025 Award
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It's a black hole.
- #64
EL
Science Advisor
- 557
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Since if you're trapped you won't get out...?
- #65
JamesU
Gold Member
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DaveC426913 said:
- #66
Jimmy Snyder
- 1,122
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- #67
BobG
Science Advisor
- 352
- 87
Are we being just a bit geocentric about the Solar System?
http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/jumpstart/archive/jumpstart-20070107.html
Such bad puns can't be ignored.
http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/jumpstart/archive/jumpstart-20070107.html
Such bad puns can't be ignored.
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- #68
- 15,524
- 768
"Plutoed" chosen 2006 word of the year
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/16405925.htm"
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/16405925.htm"
"Plutoed" was chosen 2006 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society at its annual meeting on Friday.
To "pluto" is "to demote or devalue someone or something" much like what happened to the former planet last year when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided Pluto didn't meet its definition of a planet.
To "pluto" is "to demote or devalue someone or something" much like what happened to the former planet last year when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided Pluto didn't meet its definition of a planet.
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- #69
BobG
Science Advisor
- 352
- 87
D H said:
That has such a nice ring to it, it really adds to the list of possible phrases:
"This is the hardest thing a manager has to do..."
"We've decided to use you as our on-call busboy." (How my first ever real job ended).
"You remember what happened to Pluto? When you think about it, that wasn't so bad, and now that you mention it..."
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- #70
verty
Homework Helper
- 2,190
- 198
So I guess that probe flying in space somewhere showing 9 planets is obsolete...
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