Pluto was the smallest planet in the solar system, but now it's a number, why give it a number?
2007-03-22 06:32:29 · 3 answers · asked by dani_4135 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It is a way of cataloging objects. The Andromeda Galaxy has a proper name, but it is also cataloged as M31. Another galactic record system is that the galaxies have a number with a prefix of NGC.
It is easier to index planetesimals this way than to name all of them, as there are thousands of them. Rest assured that despite the number Pluto is assigned, it will always be Pluto, just like M31 will always be the Andromeda.
2007-03-22 06:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's part of a catalogue of minor planets, and kuiper belt objects. Pluto's minor planet designation is 134340 Pluto.
Each object in the catalogue has a number assigned to it, Pluto is no exception. It still has the name 'Pluto' in the catalogue, though.
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2007-03-22 13:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, I think that was stupid that they just changed the name like that. Why not just leave it at Pluto.
2007-03-22 15:43:12 · answer #3 · answered by southg11 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋