Pluto is a planet – and so is its wife!
(Also, Xena and the once-a-planet then-an-asteroid now-a-planet-again Ceres.)
Here is a map of the NEW LOOK Solar System in order to help you find your way around.
You are here!
Although there are now twelve planets, there may soon be EVEN MORE. Another twelve possible contenders are already on the list for consideration, including three in the asteroid belt and another nine in the Kuiper Belt region beyond Neptune where Pluto and Charon and Xena already are.
Suddenly it all feels very CROWDED around here!
2 comments:
Last I heard was the resolution was still in draft form, and the astronomers seemed to swinging away from Pluto being a planet.
The problem, it seems, is the definition of "planet". Some are fans of Pluto and want it included on the strength of that, others want the major body in any particular orbital plane to be the planet (amongst other definitions). As Pluto crosses Neptune's orbital plane, it excludes itself on those grounds.
They've also been trying to come up with a new name. AFAIK Pluton, Plutid etc have been thrown out and Planetino is gaining favour.
And, indeed, Pluto is no longer a planet.
Thanks, Pluto. Thuto.
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