Pluto IS a planet…a dwarf planet of a specific type. It’s not been demoted to a comet, but it’s not now classified as one of the eight “classical planets”. There are sound reasons for this, not least the fact that there are other objects like it…one at least of which – Eris – is larger. How come no one’s screaming over Eris’ “rights” as a “planet”?
No solution is going to satisfy everyone, but frankly I think the IAS’ attempt to deal with the way the Solar System really is makes a great deal of sense. And I prefer sense to sentimentality any day of the week.
P.S.: Dr. Mel’s featurettes are my favorite part of this strip! :)
Pluto IS a planet…a dwarf planet of a specific type. It’s not been demoted to a comet, but it’s not now classified as one of the eight “classical planets”. There are sound reasons for this, not least the fact that there are other objects like it…one at least of which – Eris – is larger. How come no one’s screaming over Eris’ “rights” as a “planet”?
No solution is going to satisfy everyone, but frankly I think the IAS’ attempt to deal with the way the Solar System really is makes a great deal of sense. And I prefer sense to sentimentality any day of the week.
P.S.: Dr. Mel’s featurettes are my favorite part of this strip! :)