'Pluto Stripped of Planet Status' screamed the headlines. Astronomers around the world set new standards implying that Pluto does not qualify as a planet owing to its size and the fact its orbit overlaps with that of Neptune. In a move to pacify the pluto lovers, astronomers tried declaring that Pluto would be a prototype for a new category of the so-called 'trans-Neptunian' objects. Big words those but when it comes to astronomy, it pays to trust the star gazers!
Pluto has been considered a planet since 1930 - the dwarf planet of the solar system in other words. The very classification of Pluto as the ninth planet was an oft-contested one and it seems to have been just a matter of time before the issue was resolved once and for all.
With its eccentric orbit highly inclined with respect to the other planets, it is placed closer to the Sun than Neptune during certain periods of its revolution. Smaller than several natural satellites or moons in our solar system, Pluto itself has a large moon named Charon.
In this context, a very interesting aspect seems to be rather explicit disappointment expressed by the toon-world! Apparently the seven dwarfs have extended an open invitation to Pluto (remember the Walt Disney character with those funny ears?!) to let him join 'em as the eighth dwarf. How cute you say? Hear hear! There is also talk that Pluto (the dog) is rather unconcerned about these developments, and as the gossip goes Pluto couldn't be bothered about the planetary motions except for an 'occassional howl toward the sky'!
For those with the astronomic streak:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto
Pluto has been considered a planet since 1930 - the dwarf planet of the solar system in other words. The very classification of Pluto as the ninth planet was an oft-contested one and it seems to have been just a matter of time before the issue was resolved once and for all.
With its eccentric orbit highly inclined with respect to the other planets, it is placed closer to the Sun than Neptune during certain periods of its revolution. Smaller than several natural satellites or moons in our solar system, Pluto itself has a large moon named Charon.
In this context, a very interesting aspect seems to be rather explicit disappointment expressed by the toon-world! Apparently the seven dwarfs have extended an open invitation to Pluto (remember the Walt Disney character with those funny ears?!) to let him join 'em as the eighth dwarf. How cute you say? Hear hear! There is also talk that Pluto (the dog) is rather unconcerned about these developments, and as the gossip goes Pluto couldn't be bothered about the planetary motions except for an 'occassional howl toward the sky'!
For those with the astronomic streak:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto
