Much
Ado About Pluto
Popular culture has fully embraced the idea that Pluto is a planet. We
see Pluto on placemats and postage stamps, on lunch boxes, in text books.
The tiniest planet is beloved by kids, who are themselves tiny. Adults
like Pluto, too. It rounds out the Solar System with the wonderfully-odd
number Nine.
Last month the International Astronomical Union (IAU) shocked Pluto-lovers
everywhere by declaring that Pluto is not a planet.
Were they right?
Only 4% of the IAU's 9,000 astronomers were present at the General Assembly
where Pluto was demoted. Some say that's not enough: A decision with such
cultural and scientific impact should be based on a wider sampling of
experts.
Maybe even laypeople should have a say. After all, the word "planet"
is much older than the IAU. It's Plain Language, and not the property
of astronomers alone.
What do you think? Read Much
Ado About Pluto, then cast your own vote.
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