Long time readers of the blog will know that I have the honor to lead a small movement of like-minded people dedicated to replacing Pluto on the roll of planets with the Moon. Today, word comes from Prague that the IAU has revised its proposed planetary definition so that it wouldn't include Pluto. Even better, they've done so using a definition based on gravity and orbit. Soon, their pretence that Earth/Moon is not a double planet will crumble.
Also, this quote from the article is precious: "Some people think that the astronomers will look stupid if we can’t agree on a definition or if we don’t even know what a planet is," said Dr. Pasachoff of Williams College. "But someone pointed out that this definition will hold for all time and that it is more important to get it right."
4 comments:
"Long time readers", eh ?
Talk about "Internet time" and shortened news cycles...
Soon, their pretence that Earth/Moon is not a double planet will crumble.
The Moon, faithful companion, orbiting since time immemorial about a center of mass nestled inside the warm blue bosom of our own dear Earth, is a satellite, David. I certainly hope this pursuit of the latest scientific fad is just a passing fancy, and not the tiny mustard seed of unreason from which some vast shrubbery of crankiness and discord will bloom.
David's just ahead of his time. It was pointed out to me elsewhere that in a mere 3 billion years or so, una will have spiraled out far enough that the center of mass will rise above the surface of the Earth. All things come to those who are patient.
pluto should be pushed into the sun, just for the spectacle of planetcide.
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