2007-01-09 13:56:28 · 9 answers · asked by cece 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
According to this link:
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/planets
it gives this definition:
Pronunciation: 'pla-n&t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English planete, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin planeta, modification of Greek planEt-, planEs, literally, wanderer, from planasthai to wander -- more at FLOOR
1 a : any of the seven celestial bodies sun, moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn that in ancient belief have motions of their own among the fixed stars b (1) : any of the large bodies that revolve around the sun in the solar system (2) : a similar body associated with another star c : EARTH -- usually used with the
2 : a celestial body held to influence the fate of human beings
3 : a person or thing of great importance
2007-01-09 14:06:19 · answer #1 · answered by Rmprrmbouncer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There really isn't any good solid definition for the word planet, it is more a matter of opinion than fact. One has to remember the word planet was invented back when people believed everything revolved around the Earth. After that the definition changed to anything that revolved around the sun. But then we found out there were more objects out there, lots more. We decided they couldn't all be planets because there were 8 or 9 of them that seemed too different. So we kept 9 of them and downgraded the rest to non-planets. The term is just obsolete.
2007-01-09 15:35:18 · answer #2 · answered by michaelb1020 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Good question there is still debate on what actually defines a planet, as many large rocks can full into the definition of planet as they orbit the sun etc... But really there has to be Mass, sphere and in orbit. A moon orbits a planet and a metorite is not in orbit, although it can be, hence can get tricky to stick a definition, they have discovered new planets recently that has raised this question, as some say they are too small etc... Anyway good question good luck.
2007-01-09 14:17:13 · answer #3 · answered by rob s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Noone is sure...not even the scientist...but let me give you a general idea....
A planet:
1. must have a core (duh)
2. must have a eliptical orbit
3. must be in range (size, distance from the sun)
4. must revolve around the sun
These are the "4 4's" (I say that), in my opinion.
Hope that was enough!
2007-01-09 14:41:39 · answer #4 · answered by AD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
planet is a big mass that has form of sphere, and is orbiting it's sun
2007-01-09 14:09:25 · answer #5 · answered by mankind 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know but i guess this link will help
2007-01-09 14:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check wiki
2007-01-09 14:05:12 · answer #7 · answered by Raymond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH MIGAWD! "they" changed that too. i just can't keep up with it all.
2007-01-09 14:15:54 · answer #8 · answered by captsnuf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not pluto.
2007-01-09 14:03:14 · answer #9 · answered by radiokiller 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋