2006-11-07 23:26:08 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The International Astronomical Union decided that Pluto was no longer a planet. Instead, they decided to classify it as a "dwarf planet" because it has not cleared its orbit of debris.
See the details below.
RESOLUTION 5A
The IAU therefore resolves that "planets" and other bodies in our Solar System, except satellites, be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A "planet" [footnote 1] is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
(2) A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape [footnote 2] , (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects [footnote 3] except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar-System Bodies".
Footnote 1: The eight "planets" are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Footnote 2: An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into either dwarf planet and other categories.
Footnote 3: These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.
RESOLUTION 6A
The IAU further resolves:
Pluto is a "dwarf planet" by the above definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.
2006-11-07 23:51:58 · answer #1 · answered by Otis F 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would say that since astronomers have downgraded it to a "minor planet", that it is no longer a real planet. Pluto's moon is very close to the same size as Pluto, so maybe they're both moons. There are other reasons Pluto has been downgraded. If you do a google search you can find out yourself without asking for opinions from "non astronomers".
2006-11-08 07:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't care what their OPINION is, to me Pluto will always be a planet!
2006-11-08 07:33:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is now a Dwarf Planet
2006-11-08 07:33:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No not any more. It was decided not to long ago that it was to small to be a planet
2006-11-08 07:28:14 · answer #5 · answered by Lucy_L_B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It never was a planet. It was however mislabeled as one. So - problem fixed, it's no longer addressed as a planet, no.
2006-11-08 08:31:04 · answer #6 · answered by mattias carlsson 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no they say it is too small to be a planet......they classify his as a dwarf planet
2006-11-08 07:28:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it has been downgraded to "dwarf planet". It is still there though
2006-11-08 07:28:48 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no it is a dwarf planet due to its small diameter
2006-11-08 07:36:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, but they are sending a space probe there. Maybe they will change their mind.
2006-11-08 07:29:54 · answer #10 · answered by cw45colt 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋