Sep 21, 2005

Space Objects

Posted in Astronomy at 8:55 am by David Bradley -- Click to comment

Isn’t it about time astronomers abandoned the word “planet”? It’s become almost meaningless in the light of recent discoveries.

Pluto has been relegated to “small planet-like thing” while objects beyond the classical solar system turn out to be more planety than some of the actual planets, and most recently a moon, is now being touted as a planet. Add those really big asteroids and planetisimals to the equation and it makes you wonder whether our lexicographical feet will ever feel terra firma again.