2006-08-27 11:54:21 · 12 answers · asked by CHI MAN 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The definition of "planet" has been redifined, and Pluto no longer meets the definition of a planet. Pluto itself has not changed, but only the definition of what a planet actually is has changed. Its my understanding that it is not just the size of Pluto that disqualified it as a regular planet, but that its path also crosses the path of Neptune, a much larger planet.
This started because they were trying to catagorize 3 new objects (Ceres, Charon, and UB313 aka Xena - now known as "dwarf planets" since the new definitions have been decided upon) Pluto is now a "dwarf planet" as well.
There are now 8 "classical planets" and 4 dwarf planets. Makes me wonder how much science class will change for my kids over the next few years.
2006-08-27 12:03:28 · answer #1 · answered by mand 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well plutos closest neighbors are the gaseous giants. Which suggest it was formed somewhere else in space and was caught in the suns gravitational pull. It orbit is eratic. While other planets orbit on an exceptionally flat plane pluto orbits at a 17 degree angle. Also pluto orbit is way more elliptical than the other planets. So much so that it crosses eptunes orbit. Also it is very small. Smaller than our moon.
2006-08-27 12:12:05 · answer #2 · answered by Soccer Stud 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They changed its category to dwarf planet.
they changed its category because the dwarf planets being discovered in the outer Solar System have a different make up and different origin from the main planets. As more and more of these are discovered it becomes more and more necessary to classify Pluto with them.
It's like if you were kidnapped at birth by some rednecks, then later you found your proper family. Where would you prefer to be?
2006-08-27 11:59:46 · answer #3 · answered by nick s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there could be a flood of new discoveries of objets bigger than Pluto also on odd orbits, and they do not want to constantly add to the planet category. So they created another class of object for Pluto and its buddies, at least one of which is already known to be bigger than Pluto.
2006-08-27 12:04:30 · answer #4 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
science knew it was out there because of gravity. or they knew something was there, but surprise surprise when some sort of method modern determined that its not large enough to be a planet, science world in a flap. does not mmeett noowwn standerds of requirements for planet definition. and by the way has anyone hear of einstien, or looked up the word theory in the dictionary.
2006-08-27 12:05:07 · answer #5 · answered by mld m 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well if u learn anything about pluto then u know it has no characteristics of a planet besides being round. and having gravitational pull but thats only because its large enough to create a pull
2006-08-27 11:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by LISSA 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It weights too little for a planet.
2006-08-27 12:00:12 · answer #7 · answered by pikapoka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
supposedly its not big enough to be a planet
2006-08-27 11:59:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to do. Bored.
2006-08-27 12:00:31 · answer #9 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was too small
2006-08-27 12:00:35 · answer #10 · answered by Maggie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋