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! :)
margueritem over 15 years ago
Mind your spleen, Winky. It could be dangerous out there…
wndrwrthg over 15 years ago
Where is Pluto?
bbugsbadger over 15 years ago
Pluto is at Disney world. He got demoted.
ARF2 over 15 years ago
The Solar System, to a first approximation, consists of the Sun, Jupiter, and a few minor details!
wicky over 15 years ago
To some of us Pluto will always be a planet, regardless of what the “experts” say.
spirit42 over 15 years ago
How u like that transporter beam, Winky?
BillTidler over 15 years ago
Winky, such a kidder !
KingRat over 15 years ago
for the pluto lovers/deniers:
http://www.booktv.org/watch.aspx?ProgramId=FV-10220
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about the controversy over re-classifying Pluto as a comet.
3hourtour Premium Member over 15 years ago
…when are you going to explain Uranus?
rayannina over 15 years ago
I think it needs no explanation, 3hour …
(rolling eyes.)
Nighthawks Premium Member over 15 years ago
okaaaaay
Sherlock Watson over 15 years ago
3hourtour: Dr. Mel presented us with “Fun facts about Uranus” back on April 5th. Check it out:
http://www.gocomics.com/brewsterrockit/2009/04/05
wicky over 15 years ago
Did you know that there are rings around Uranus?
Bill_Wa over 15 years ago
I agree with wicky, Pluto will remain a planet. Also,about the rings around Uranus, sounds like a personal problem wicky.
Rakkav over 15 years ago
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! :)
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 6 years ago
Maybe Jupiter will get enough more hydrogen in time to complete the transition and light ’er up.
SamuelMeasa over 3 years ago
Cloning Lab, We’re going to need another Winky.