To Be or Not To Be…. a Planet?

After we all agreed that the Earth does indeed revolve around the Sun, it seems we now need to agree on how many planets are in our solar system. Most of us were taught that there are nine planets in our system (listed by increasing distance from the Sun): Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus (always makes me giggle), Neptune, and Pluto.

Some time ago, pesky Pluto came under some scrutiny and was to be declassified–perhaps for being too small. Well like so many other exclusive clubs, it seems that if you let one in you have to let them all in. Under some new standards, the Moon may even be considered a planet along with hundreds of other object.

There is certainly much debate, but just like our resistance of the metric system, it is unlikely that the American public will change their thoughts of the nine planets–even if they probably wouldn’t be able to name them on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

For now, Pluto will remain what astronomers are calling a “dwarf” planet–along with Sneezey and Dopey.

In related news, Klingons have been observed on Uranus! (I really couldn’t resist.)

Add comment August 18th, 2006