How many planets?

[jeregenest]

THE MEANING OF PLANET: What is a planet? For years, astronomers have been debating that question, with the status of tiny Pluto hanging in the balance. Finally, an answer is in the offing. Today, the International Astronomical Union's Planet Definition Committee announced their proposal for a new, official definition of "planet." If the proposal is approved by a vote of IAU astronomers on August 24th, the number of planets in the Solar System would swell from nine to twelve. And, yes, Pluto would be among them.

Here's the full text of the draft decision.

So if it passes the Solar System will have twelve planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Charon (a double planet) and 2003 UB313. Hopefully 2003 UB313 will get a better name pretty quickly.

My first thought was "Oooh solar system hijincks always have gaming potential." Yes I know, gaming ideas are always my first thought. Thats not true, but its hard to think sexy thoughts about new planets though if I think about it...oh yeah.

My second thought was this will turn out to be a good spring board for lots of stuff for the boy. Nothing like discussing orbital mechanics with a six year old. And I'm serious there. The boy is fascinated by astronomy and has been discussing Pluto and Neptune's orbit a bunch lately, this should be very interesting to him.

Comments

[editswlonghair.livejournal.com]

That's not the only gaming fodder in the news today! I've been intrigued by the story of AOL digging for gold in the backyard of a house in Medfield.

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2006/08/16/aol_prepares_to_dig_for_gold____literally/

[head58.livejournal.com]

Feh. If I were hiding millions in spammer gold, I know where I'd put it (http://www.oakislandtreasure.com/)!

[jeregenest.livejournal.com]

I heard that last night on NPR. It struck me as pretty weird.

[robotnik.livejournal.com]

Twelve planets is actually showing some restraint. What I heard on the radio yesterday was that (one of?) the proposed definition(s) would increase the number of planets to 53.

[editswlonghair.livejournal.com]

That's just ridiculous. That's straying into 'Firefly' cosomology there... ;)

[melissagay.livejournal.com]

Aieee! Reavers!!!!

[melissagay.livejournal.com]

Good for you for discussing science at an early age!!! Encourage inquisitive minds!

[telepresence.livejournal.com]

Dangit, I see no reason why it can't remain "Xena".

Also, doesn't this all bugger up astrology?

[my-tallest.livejournal.com]

Astrology is already buggered up. Stick to the seven ancient planets, I say.

[jeregenest.livejournal.com]

Depends on the school of astrology. Some branches of astrology ignore anything but the classical. Others already involve stuff like Ceres and the Knieper belt objects. Than theres the whole sidereal versus trpical zodiac and Opichuus (which is a bigger issue).

Umm...for an unbeliever I know way too much about astrology.

[my-tallest.livejournal.com]

I have to comment: I first caught the astronomy bug when they discovered Uranus' rings. I had in my possession of the original newspaper article from 1st grade for many years. Sedna, Xena: if these don't inspire a new generation, I don't know what will.

And of course they picked Twelve.

[my-tallest.livejournal.com]

I do like some of the non-planet classical bits like the Part of Fortune, but transuranics and asteroids, bah humbug!

[sben.livejournal.com]

Looks like a Flower Rite to me.

[shiffer.livejournal.com]

Only in reverse!

[sben.livejournal.com]

Nah. Expanding the definition of "planet" to include crappy little dust-and-ice balls? Totally weakens the meaning.

And now, a non-sequiter:

[shiffer.livejournal.com]

I'm having "respond to things with pictures day". I'm having so much fun!

[jeffwik.livejournal.com]

You have a familia with nine members, one per planet, you weaken them as a group by revising the definition of planet so it doesn't link their familia together. It's a little wonky but I can see it.

[shiffer.livejournal.com]

And I even misspelled "non-sequitar"! It's ironic, like rain on your wedding day.

[editswlonghair.livejournal.com]

Oh, they're out there... lurking beyond Pluto...

[melissagay.livejournal.com]

So... instead of "Xena," maybe we should nickname 2003 UB313 "Miranda." :lol:

Re: And now, a non-sequiter:

[melissagay.livejournal.com]

Best picture EVAR.

[foxtown.livejournal.com]

More Jesus Gold!

[mylescorcoran]

As an ex-astronomer I heartily approve of six year olds with a fascination for astronomy. Go the boy!