This week sees the International Astronomical Societies gathering to discuss, amongst other things the definition of a Planet.
For Centuries, the definition has stood that it is a Celestial body in
orbit around a star, which is held by that stars Gravity. It also has
to be above a certain size, and a certain mass.
This definition has stood since the time there was 5 Planets (7 was an important number in ancient times, they counted the Sun and moon). Then along Came a dude called William Herschel who found Uranus, and then Neptune and Pluto were discovered. Then in 2005, Xena was added, and now we have planets breeding like Maggots.
This gathering this week could see that whole definition change. Pluto could loose its planetry Status, or it could be joined by Charron, Xena, and a menagerie of others in the Kuiper belt.
So, 2 questions:
What do YOU think makes a planet?
What is your opinion on the outer candidates?
No time limit for your thoughts?
2006-08-23
21:24:43
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6 answers
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asked by
Anonymous