What Are the Latest Discoveries About Pluto's Moons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent discovery of a new moon of Pluto, announced on July 20, 2011, and the implications of this finding in the context of Pluto's existing moons and the broader exploration of the solar system. Participants express their surprise and excitement about new discoveries in the solar system, particularly regarding Pluto and its moons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the discovery of a new moon around Pluto, referring to it as an "old dog" having another "pup."
  • There is a sentiment that the discovery of a new moon is significant, especially given the vast number of distant celestial objects being photographed.
  • Participants note that many small and dark objects, including thousands of asteroids and several dwarf planets, have been discovered in recent years, suggesting that there is still much to explore in the solar system.
  • One participant shares their feelings of naivety regarding the topic, indicating a desire to learn more about astronomy and related fields.
  • There is a mention of the existence of two other moons of Pluto, which prompts further curiosity among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the excitement surrounding the discovery of a new moon and the ongoing exploration of the solar system. However, there is no consensus on the extent of discoveries left to be made or the implications of these findings.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge their lack of formal education in physics or astronomy, which may influence their understanding of the topic. There is also a recognition of the complexity of the subject matter, as evidenced by references to other celestial bodies and concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to amateur astronomers, students of astronomy, and those curious about recent developments in solar system exploration.

Drakkith
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Drakkith said:
Just saw this article here about it being announced on 20 July of this year, 2011!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/2011_P_1

Who'd've thought that old dog Pluto would have another pup!
 
qraal said:
Who'd've thought that old dog Pluto would have another pup!

Yep!
 
That's pretty cool. With all the photos of distant nebulas and galaxies, I think it is rad that something new, even if it's just a moon, can be discovered so (relatively) close. I kinda assumed there wasn't really anything left to discover in our solar system.
 
Disconnected said:
That's pretty cool. With all the photos of distant nebulas and galaxies, I think it is rad that something new, even if it's just a moon, can be discovered so (relatively) close. I kinda assumed there wasn't really anything left to discover in our solar system.

Nah, there have been thousands of asteroids, dozens of comets, and several dwarf planets discovered in the last decade or two. Most of these objects have eluded us so long because they are so small and dark.
 
Yeah, it kinda blew my mind when I found out about the dwarf planets and such (like 8 months ago). Excuse the naive post, I'm kinda out of my field here. I felt a little silly about posting this, then going on to read the threads about the trojan asteroid etc. It's all cool stuff, make me wish I had taken some astro classes.
 
Disconnected said:
Yeah, it kinda blew my mind when I found out about the dwarf planets and such (like 8 months ago). Excuse the naive post, I'm kinda out of my field here. I felt a little silly about posting this, then going on to read the threads about the trojan asteroid etc. It's all cool stuff, make me wish I had taken some astro classes.

Wikipedia is my friend lol. As are random books from Books-a-Million. I've never taken a college physics, astronomy, or other science class and I think I have a good understanding of science in general.
 
Hey neat, another moon to go along with Charon!

... follows link ...

Wait a minute, there are already two other moons?!
 
Drakkith said:
Wikipedia is my friend lol.

I foresee a long session of wiki surfing in my very near future...

I've never taken a college physics, astronomy, or other science class and I think I have a good understanding of science in general.
Strong work. You definitely seem to have an excellent understanding.
Hurkyl said:
Wait a minute, there are already two other moons?!
Yerp, my thoughts exactly.
 

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