[meteorite-list] OT: HOW MANY PLANETS?

[Chris Peterson]

And one other way... they can simply refuse to define "planet at all", since 
there is no need to do so. But that would be too simple.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Baalke" <baalke at zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>
To: "Meteorite Mailing List" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 4:28 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] OT: HOW MANY PLANETS?


>>     The IAU and astronomy generally have a dilemma,
>> though. How can you say that the massive 2003UB313 is NOT
>> a planet when the smaller Pluto IS?
>
> I can think of two ways.  I think the object orbit's should be
> a factor in defining a planet. 2003 UB313 is inclined at 44 degrees,
> so if you exclude object above 20 degrees inclination, then Pluto
> would be in and 2003 UB313 is out.
>
> Another way is just make Pluto an exception to the rule, and have
> it retain its planetary status.  We have precedences for this.  A platypus
> lays eggs, but is still considered a mammal.  Europa and Asia
> are considered separate continents even though they are a single
> combined land mass.