PTStaff: Members of the International
Astronomical Union have finally voted on Pluto's status as a
planet. Four competing proposals, one of which would have
introduced four new planets called "plutons" to the solar
system, and another in which a new sub-class of planets called
dwarf planets, caused controversy in the astronomical and
geophysical communities, as scientists argued over the new
definitions. About 5% of the world's astronomers voted at IAU,
to decide the new definition of a planet.Under the new
guidelines, a celestial body must have "cleared the
neighbourhood around its orbit" to be called a planet. Pluto
has an elliptical orbit that overlaps with Neptune, so is
disqualified full planet status.
Previous Physics Today news picks on Pluto
Pluto
will stay as a planet says IAU
Plutons,
its not a particle, its the name of a new class of planets
Debate
continues over Pluto definition
List of stories regarding today's votePluto
loses 'battle of the planets'
The
GuardianSolar System Shrinks with Pluto's Demotion
NPRPluto
booted out of league of planets
The
RegisterPluto Demoted: No Longer a Planet in Highly
Controversial Definition
Space.comVote
Makes It Official: Pluto Isn't What It Used to Be
The
New York TimesHow the Facts Align - As Pluto Is Demoted,
Some Look for Scientific Clarity
The
Washington Post
