Re: Soon 12 planets in the solar system !

You are wrong that the current proposal is based on science. It is simply an ad hoc classification that makes arbitrary divisions. In reality, using "roughly spherical" as a distinction is no less arbitrary than using the orbit or mass of Pluto. It has no physical meaning beyond being something that can be defined.

The real problem with this proposed solution is that it causes trouble. Real world trouble for lots of people, from educators to planetaria to software developers. It also exposes the astronomical community to ridicule. We would forever be arguing about which KBO is a planet (or not) and adding planets to an ever growing list. People are right to say, "What? You mean the moon of Pluto is now a planet, but Ganymede isn't? And I heard the moon would someday be a planet too!" The laughter about the silly astronomers has already begun!

That's a high price to pay.

I am willing to pay that price. But we need to get something worthwhile in return for it. A classification scheme based on how the bodies form, where they form, or what they are primarily composed of, would be a real science-based model. I would be willing to pay the high price for that. I am reluctant to pay such a high price for something that amounts to little more than an arbitrary political compromise!

ph42@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
This proposal fails on all counts!

I sure hope they wake up.

.....says someone who apparently insists on staying asleep. Above all,
you must remember the following (I repeat, and it seems like that I
have to do it in capital letters):

YOU CANNOT CALL PLUTO A PLANET WITHOUT CALLING 2003UB313 A PLANET AS
WELL. IT´S EITHER BOTH OR NONE.

If you know of a better way to deal with this fact than the IAU then
please let us (an above all, the IAU) know.

I have taken the time to make to propose two different solutions that I feel are better on different threads. I also feel that the alternative solution under consideration by the IAU is a better choice. Regardless, claiming that someone who has no better solution somehow gives up their right to call a bad a solution a bad solution, is specious.

Greg

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html

To reply take out your eye
.

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