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Pluto, the Ninth Planet...or not?
Topic Started: Dec 22 2006, 11:32 PM (775 Views)
Olivia
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These posts have been split off from the discussion going on in the News Forums -------Admin.

How do you feel about Pluto? Is it or is it not a planet?
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Michel
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It is not. And I have reasons.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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It is. And I have reasons too.

You go first.
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Michel
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The people in bow ties can say 'oh, pluto is a planet'. And they did, a long time ago. And if they can give planethood, why cannot they taketh away?
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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Because there are no logical, scientific arguments for Pluto's planet status to be taken away.
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Michel
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Yes, there are. You see, they define planethood. And they define standards for said. Thus, they define what can or cannot live up to such criteria. If Pluto did when the standards were to its level, that is fine, it was then. But things change, as do standards. Thus, the standards for planethood have been reconsidered, as have said planets which can qualify, or not, for such a status. And Pluto did not fulfill the new expectation, thus it is no longer a planet. It has been demoted.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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But the new standards for planethood are unreasonable. Why should they be upheld?

Also, less than 5% of the world's astronomers were allowed to vote in this decision. 424 astronomers. This is because the IAU did not allow those not physically present to vote. Is this fair?
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Michel
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Exactly! That is why they were reconsidered.

Yes, actually. There was ample warning. If they cared enough, they should have come.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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Many astronomers couldn't make it because they were involved in other research/experiments, etc. Sometimes it's just not possible. This was an extremely important decision. The IAU should have done all it could to ensure that all or most of the astronomers could participate.
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Michel
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Well I still think that if any astronomers SERIOUSLY cared, they could have come.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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You're wrong.

Also, Pluto was demoted because it hasn't "cleared its orbit". There are four other planets, including Earth, that haven't either. Unless the IAU is planning to demote Earth as well, this definition is useless.
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Michel
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Well.....FINE. Earth is no longer a planet.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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Olivia
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Yes, it is, because the IAU hasn't demoted it.
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Michel
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I wasn't talking about them, I was talking about what think you think Earth is if Pluto is demoted.
You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

-Indira Gandhi (1917 - 1984)
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SmileyFace
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[ *  *  *  * ]
Pluto IS a planet. Got it? Good. VERY good. The IAU is wrong. I'm right. As usual.
:) :caffeinated:
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