why did astonomers think pluto was a planet in the first place
2007-01-11 12:35:11 · 14 answers · asked by harleydavidson218 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Because when Pluto was first classified as a planet there was no true definition. The only definition they had was that a planet was a spacial body that orbits the sun. So according to that definition all the asteriods in the asteriod belt should have also been planets. As well as all the moons and what are now called Dwarf planets.
2007-01-11 18:13:04 · answer #1 · answered by T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should Pluto Be a Planet?
On August 24, 2006, astronomers declared that Pluto is no longer a planet, thereby downsizing the solar system from nine planets to eight. After a week of debate, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of planetary status because its orbit crosses Neptune's and therefore fails one of three planetary requirements. Instead, Pluto (along with Ceres and Xena) is now classified as a dwarf planet.
RESOLUTION 5A
The IAU therefore resolves that planets and other bodies in our Solar System be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A 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, 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, (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
This is a start I am not sure where to find the third requirement. I hope this helps
2007-01-11 20:47:48 · answer #2 · answered by bullfiter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we never had a very good definition of planet. But as we found more and more planet-like things, we needed a better, more specific definition. So Pluto used to be a planet, but is no longer because it doesn't fit the new definition.
2007-01-11 20:37:59 · answer #3 · answered by eri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they orginially thought that pluto was a planet because it had all the items that were needed to classify pluto as a planet, many years ago.
with todays technology they now can tell that Pluto does not have all the items needed to classify pluto as a planet
2007-01-11 20:49:23 · answer #4 · answered by Wicked 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was more the shock of finding a large chunk of rock in space that was undiscovered, then actually finding a planet. It was an oversized asteroid that had happened to harness a few others. This led them to belive it was a tiny planet. It is now refered to as a Dwarf Planet.
2007-01-11 20:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they thought it was a planet because it revolved around the sun. alot of people including me think pluto should still be a planet but alot dont.
2007-01-11 21:13:41 · answer #6 · answered by brainlessjr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've said time and time again if Uranus can be a planet, so can't Pluto.
2007-01-11 20:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by Get Real 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pluto was discovered in 1930 they didn't know any better
2007-01-11 20:43:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO MAN knows what is out there.
What is beyond Pluto?
We will never know in our time.
2007-01-11 20:49:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pluto's a dog. Question is: what the hell is Goofy?
2007-01-11 20:42:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋