Well, recently 2 more moons were discovered around Pluto...
2006-08-28 05:38:58 · 20 answers · asked by Pickles 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No, it shouldn't be.
This issue is settled. Pluto is now known as a dwarf planet. And is NOT a planet even as the word "planet" was included in its new object class.
From NASA:
"Here's how it all shakes out. The International Astronomical Union has decided that, to be called a planet, an object must have three traits. It must orbit the sun, be massive enough that its own gravity pulls it into a nearly round shape, and be dominant enough to clear away objects in its neighborhood.
To be admitted to the dwarf planet category, an object must have only two of those traits -- it must orbit the sun and have a nearly round shape. And no, moons don't count as dwarf planets. In addition to Pluto, Ceres and 2003 UB313, the astronomical union has a dozen potential dwarf planets on its watchlist."
So Pluto is one of many (perhaps millions) of "Pluto like object" that inhabit a part of the solar systen called "The Kuiper Belt" and Pluto is not even the largest of those objects, although it was the first to be discover. So Pluto is NOT dominant on his area.
Mike Brown, one of the discoverers of 2003 UB313, said:
"Pluto and 2003 UB313 are significantly smaller than the other planets. If you were to start to classify things in the solar system from scratch, with no preconceived notions about which things belong in which categories, you would likely come to only one conclusion. The four giant planets -- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune -- belong in one category, the four terrestrial planets -- Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars -- belong in one category, and everything else belongs in one or maybe more categories. You wouldn't lump the largest asteroid -- Ceres -- in with the planets, you would group it with the other asteroids. Likewise you wouldn't group the largest object in the vast swarm of objects beyond Neptune (the "Kuiper belt") with anything other than the Kuiper belt. The previous nine (or ten) "planets" encompassed the group of giant planets and the group of terrestrial planets and then awkwardly ventured out into the Kuiper belt to take in one or two of the largest of those objects. Using the word in this way makes no scientific sense whatsoever."
and also said:
"I'm of course disappointed that Xena* will not be the tenth planet, but I definitely support the IAU in this difficult and courageous decision, It is scientifically the right thing to do, and is a great step forward in astronomy."
* As he (Brown) would like 2003 UB313 to be called but not its official name yet.
I hope this clears out the issue for you.
:-)
2006-08-30 09:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by QuietFire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The size of pluto is smaller than the earth's moon. I have the doubt of Pluto being a planet. On the other hand, we could look in the bright side.
If we reject Pluto as a planet, all the textbooks or educational materials that we learnt in school in the past were wrong. =)
2006-08-28 05:47:18 · answer #2 · answered by Vivian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I think Pluto should remain a planet.. So what if it's smaller than the rest.. They can call it a child planet. For it not to be a planet that is utterly ridiculous. What are the Astronauts & Astronomers smoking Pot? Maybe they smoke Maurijauna on the moon because no one will catch them with it there! Who knows? If they stop calling Pluto a planet they might stop calling Children people.
2006-08-28 05:46:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it could be defined as a 'dwarf ice planet' then everyone is happy. It stays a planet and yet it is qualified. Put an asterix beside the name. After all who wants to learn the planets with "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nuts"? We want pizza!!!
2006-08-28 05:49:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will always be a planet in my book. I'm 37 and will never have to take a test about it; so screw the establishment. Pluto is a planet to me and I don't care what you Astro-brainiacs think. HaHaHa.
2006-08-28 05:56:28 · answer #5 · answered by Ron B. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, Pluto SHOULD be a planet.......... and a dog.
I heard about the other moons and I could not think why they would change it's status. It's just astronomers trying to justify their jobs I guess. Arf arf!
Have a great day!!!
2006-08-28 05:42:33 · answer #6 · answered by Coo coo achoo 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
before pluto is a planet... but according to the news it isn't a planet!
2006-08-28 05:41:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does not matter, pluto should not be a planet
2006-08-28 05:56:56 · answer #8 · answered by bprice215 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Yes, yes, yes!
Only 424 members of the IAU voted on this, so we have the opinion of about 265 or so folks on this
2006-08-28 05:42:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that it should cuz if its moon can be and a freaking asteroid can be a planet it can be too!!!!
2006-08-28 05:43:40 · answer #10 · answered by ~Init2winit~ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋