THE PLANET PLUTO (1930-2006)
Okay, I somewhat stole that headline from Fox News.Pluto had been a controversy since it was named a planet back in 1930. Today, that controversy has ended as the International Astronomical Union voted to define the term "planet" and Pluto does not meet the criterion.
All this takes me back to third grade and memorizing the 9 planets and the start of my fascination with the stars, planets and our universe. I still regularly star gaze when the opportunity is presented. (the other night, there was no moon and Mom was off the next day, so I stayed up late to star gaze) Alas, Charleigh-Anne will not be memorizing 9 planets and Joey will have to unlearn Pluto at the end when naming off the planets in order from the Sun, same as I.
Is this a big thing? I don't think so. I think people are sentimental towards Pluto because it was the smallest planet and they want to "protect" it. I also think that is was high time that the IAU defined the term "planet", since kids have been memorizing "planet" names for at least a generation.
Here are a few of my favorite stargazing links:
Skymaps.com (free PDF skymap, every month)
Stardate Online (constellation guides, weekly stargazing tips, beginner's guide)
Human Space Flight (find the International Space Station in the night sky)
posted by Unknown @ 8/24/2006 03:37:00 PM
1 Comments:
I saw that as well. I was all mirthful over the whole 12 planets, maybe 53 planets thing, and then this... damn.
8 planets is easy. Imagine if they start making kids name all of the kuiper belt objects...
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