what is its given name and who discovers it?
2006-07-09 21:03:55 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Depends whether you mean extrasolar planets (i.e. outside the solar system) or solar system planets.
New exoplanets are being discovered all the time. As of june 2006 the number is 173.
Re: solar system planets the situation is difficult. Increasingly new large objects are being discovered in the Kuiper belt - a huge belt of debris that lies outside the orbit of Neptune.
These Kuiper Belt objects include Quoaor, Sedna, and the most recent discovery 2003 UB313 (described as being larger than Pluto in 2005). Pluto is also in the Kuiper Belt.
The international astronomical union is currently convening a committee to define what a planet is. This will either result in 2003 UB313 being defined as a planet (and possibly other objects as well) OR Pluto being relegated down from being a planet. Exciting stuff (if you're a nerd and into astronomy like me).
2006-07-09 22:27:32 · answer #1 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The last discovered planet was discovered on Jan 8 2005. Called 2003UB313 and credit was given to Samuel Oschin Telescope, Palomar Observatory.
2006-07-10 04:11:26 · answer #2 · answered by jetteleigh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
194 planets outside of the solar system have been discovered as of June 2006.
2006-07-10 04:32:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...u dumba*s.
You think planets are some screwballs to be discovered every year?
2006-07-10 04:22:35 · answer #4 · answered by Whatever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋