2006-08-30 05:19:51 · 17 answers · asked by schemeshes 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Because it's now New Improved Pluto-Lite ... The first of a new brand of mini-planets!
Basically they found that Pluto was just too small to be a planet because there were larger things floating around out there that weren't planets. The solution was to re-classify Pluto as a "small planet" or "dwarf planet". This means that from now on the number of traditional planets will stay the same (8) but they can carry on adding to the "Plutoid" planets as they find them... because they seem pretty sure that there are more of them out there (there is already Charon and the - as yet - un-named one).
Suggestion for naming the new Plutoid planet - how about "Osama" - because it's impossible to get anywhere close to it
2006-08-30 05:21:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The International Astronomical Union made that call because if Pluto is a planet there are hundreds of other objects in it's area of space that would qualify as planets.
2006-08-30 05:26:21 · answer #2 · answered by bulldog5667 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Pluto produces a new planet recently
2006-08-30 05:25:47 · answer #3 · answered by PHATMAX 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was recently discovered that Pluto is much smaller than previously thought. If we continue to call it a planet, then other similar sized objects ( around 150 in the solar system ) could also be called planets. So they reclassified it as a dwarf planet.
2006-08-30 05:23:01 · answer #4 · answered by roamin70 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find it completely stupid. I mean, so what if Pluto is small, because now you have to go back and change all those textbooks that kids are learning from. It was a complete waste. I don't see what harm it would do if Pluto was still a planet.
2016-03-27 01:18:40 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definition of planet changed and Pluto didn't make the cut under the new rules.
2006-08-30 05:23:44 · answer #6 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was found to be mostly rock, no signs of life ever, too small, mistake to ever make it planet & blah, blah, blah.
Do you know how long it will take me afer 40 years of naming Pluto as outer most planet to remember it is not a planet? Are they trying to make it hard on those who are not just learning this new science? LOL
2006-08-30 05:27:30 · answer #7 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it doesn't follow the redefinition of the word planet.
Planets need to be in orbit around the sun, to have sufficient mass so it's nearly round, and to have cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. Pluto has an eratic orbit and hasn't cleared the neighborhood, so now it's considered a dwarf planet.
2006-08-30 05:30:28 · answer #8 · answered by intraspettro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the criteria changed
the key criteria that excluded pluto is the new requirement that a planet have cleared the debris in its area.
Also, if they kept pluto, they would logically have to add numerous more "planets" that the realized are distinct from the primary 8.
2006-08-30 05:22:51 · answer #9 · answered by a_blue_grey_mist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Astronomers decided to change the definition of a Planet.
Pluto has become the john Hanson of the solar system. You may well ask who John Hanson is. He was the First President of the United States of America -- until the US changed the definition of President. John Hanson was President under the Articles of Confederation. But when the USA ratified the Constitution, we got a new definition of President -- and George Washingtion fit -- but John Hanson did not.
2006-08-30 05:28:43 · answer #10 · answered by Ranto 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋