Via CNN: Pluto gets the boot:
Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight.After a tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930.
Well, I guess the mnemonic I learned for the planets in 3rd grade needs to be updated (My Very Earthly Mother Anna (for the asteroid belt) Just Sold Us Nine Pickles). And I kid thee not: I do remember that still from waaaay back in elementary school.
And the hard science types make fun of us social scientist because we argue about definitions….
Sphere: Related ContentFiled under: Space | |
The views expressed in the comments are the sole responsibility of the person leaving those comments. They do not reflect the opinion of the author of PoliBlog, nor have they been vetted by the author.
August 24th, 2006 at 9:24 am
BBC said the organization had downgraded Pluto to be a “dwarf planet.”
Well, a dwarf planet is still a planet, no?
August 24th, 2006 at 10:06 am
Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson has come out publicly and said that Pluto’s “downgrade” to a dwarf planet is reprehensible and racist toward all dwarf planets that strive to be planets. They are expected to march for the rights of Pluto and all other small planets. John Kerry has also made a statement that he has a plan to change the direction of the cosmos and Bush and his cronies are the reason for this downgrade.
August 24th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
But didn’t Mickey Mouse verify the papers to make sure that Pluto was the real thing and not just a mutt?
August 25th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Mary Visits Every Morning Just Stays Until Noon - Period.
I have carried that around for decades.