In the past few days enough heat was generated among scientific community about the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voting outcome on a draft definition of what distinguishes a planet from lesser space rocks. The fuss over Pluto's planethood started a few years ago when astronomers began to discover large, icy bodies in the outer solar system, some of them not much smaller than Pluto. A committee of 19 astronomers set up by the IAU in early 2004 failed to reach a decision over the issue of defining a Planet. A smaller committe of 7 members, set up to look into the matter, came out with a "new" definition of planet which would have increased planets in our solar system to 12, and probably many more.
Finally, astronomers could be homing in on a definition of the word planet. On 22nd Aug., after much public bickering in Prague, followed by negotiations behind closed doors, the latest draft resolution was greeted with a broadly friendly reception. The terminology is still ambiguous but the proposal currently under consideration is least controversial. If accepted on Thursday, it would be bad news for Pluto, which would no longer be a full-fledged planet.
Eversince its entry into the family of solar system, Pluto has faced stiff opposition to its inclusion. Now it will no longer be part of the family of Zeus. Poor Pluto!
Finally, astronomers could be homing in on a definition of the word planet. On 22nd Aug., after much public bickering in Prague, followed by negotiations behind closed doors, the latest draft resolution was greeted with a broadly friendly reception. The terminology is still ambiguous but the proposal currently under consideration is least controversial. If accepted on Thursday, it would be bad news for Pluto, which would no longer be a full-fledged planet. 
No comments:
Post a Comment