I don't understand the big deal, it's not like anybody is going to shoot it down or anything. It's still a body out it space so what's changed?
2006-08-24 10:25:08 · 13 answers · asked by dam 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It is laughable.
The general public are so ignorant about the Solar System, as shown by the really silly questions that appear in the astronomy questions. The vast majority have no concept of the makeup of the sun's family, yet they are all mourning the loss of Pluto as a planet.
The problem with Pluto that nobody seems to be emphasising, is that it is now known to belong to a growing number of discovered small bodies that orbit from near Saturn's orbit right out to way beyond Neptune. If, and this is the cruncher, you call Pluto a planet, you are going to have to call a mounting number of other similar size objects planets as they are detected over the next years and decades.
So, instead of having to remember the names of 9 planets, kids twenty years from now would probably have to remember the names of several hundred planets. It would be worse than asking them to remember the names of the almost hundred planetary moons in the Solar System.
That would be silly, because these new objects are not planets. And so neither is Pluto.
Even right after Pluto's discovery in 1930 it was in question as whether it was a real planet. It was only the exicitement and the hype of discovery, mixed with the fact that it was the only body of its kind known out there that it was accepted as a planet - more by the public than the astronomers.
It is not a planet. It does not fit the profile of 4 rocky inner planets, and 4 gaseous outer planets. It has a very wonky orbit like many other asteroidal and cometary bodies, and it has been argued that it has so much water ice that if it was swung nearer the sun, it would develop a tail and look every bit like the comet it probably once was.
So, don't worry. The Solar System is getting bigger, not smaller
2006-08-24 10:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by nick s 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It just goes to show how attached most people are to the status quo. Ceres (the largest asteroid and the first one discovered) was considered a planet for 50 years before astronomers decided it was too small. Pluto lasted for 66 years, maybe because it is a little bigger, but it is still way smaller and in a way different orbit than any of the other 8 planets. It is about time we grew up and realized that error, just as was done with Ceres over a hundred years ago.
2006-08-24 12:10:54 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, YEAH!! What about all those Pluto posters on my wall? My "Somebody went to Pluto & all I got was this lousy t-shirt" t-shirt? The coffee mug that, is just black when it's empty, but when you pour hot liquid in, the planets show up on the outside? The NINE planets!! What about my dream of being the first astro-guy to walk on the surface of Pluto? More important than my selfish concerns, what happens to Mickey Mouse's poor puppy dog? Does he have to be re-named now? He'll have an identity crisis! He already wonders why Goofy can walk upright and talk and he can't! Poor little guy.
2006-08-24 10:37:47 · answer #3 · answered by Disco Stu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I simply can't go on as a person now that Pluto is not a planet. What will my very educated mother serve me now?
lol - The loss of a once named planet doesn't matter to me at all. RIP Pluto, we'll miss you!
2006-08-24 10:30:14 · answer #4 · answered by mtngrl7500 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing has changed except that they won't call pluto a planet anymore. I don't know why this is news, it seems like the media thrives on conflict but not on any worthwhile science.
2006-08-24 10:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by satanorsanta 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Not unless it hits Neptune and pieces of debris enter an orbit around the sun and eventually hit Earth.
2006-08-24 10:42:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no big deal. It's still there and it's still the same regardless of what you call it so who the hell cares???? Don't scientists have more important things to worry about than this???
2006-08-24 10:30:38 · answer #7 · answered by Jenny A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes dammit! Those fool astronomers have upset the very heavens. who are they to determine pluto's rightul place in our solar system. I have to go now, I am very upset.
2006-08-24 10:31:18 · answer #8 · answered by onelonevoice 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i can now call my teacher a lier when she says the txt book neva lies!
kinda sucks though cuz my school just got all new txt books and itl cost lots to replace all the science 1s
2006-08-24 10:28:41 · answer #9 · answered by rocknrollskwurl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When I read the news it really got my asteroids all riled up!
2006-08-24 10:28:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋