[meteorite-list] 'Plutons' Push Planet Total Up To 12-- Mike Brown's view

[Darren Garrison]

"That would make Caltech researcher Mike Brown, who found 2003 UB313, formally
the discoverer of the 12th planet. But he thinks it's a lousy idea.

"It's flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet," Brown said in
a telephone interview. He applauded the committee's efforts but said the overall
proposal is "a complete mess." By his count, the definition means there are
already 53 known planets in our solar system, with countless more to be
discovered.

Brown and another expert said the proposal, being put forth Wednesday at the IAU
General Assembly meeting in Prague, is not logical. For example, Brown said, it
does not make sense to consider Ceres and Charon planets and not call our moon
(which is bigger than both) a planet."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14364833/