Is Pluto Back as a Planet?
Dr. Gingerich maintained that the word “planet” itself held some sort of a cultural connotation and, therefore, Pluto should be a planet again if the general population deemed it to be. Dr. Sasselov took a much more scientific stand, arguing that the most accurate definition of a planet would be any major mass that orbited or formed around a star; since Pluto is a mass that orbits the sun, it should be classified as a planet once again. Lastly, Dr. Gingerich maintained the IAU’s original definition of a planet should prevail which would, in his opinion, mean that Pluto should not be a planet once again.
After the panel discussion, those in attendance were asked to vote on which definition that they felt was the most accurate and to determine Pluto’s status. The overwhelming majority agreed that Dr. Sasselov’s position was the most accurate and, to the delight of Pluto enthusiasts everywhere, believe that the tiny little mass should indeed be declared a planet once again.
After the panel discussion, those in attendance were asked to vote on which definition that they felt was the most accurate and to determine Pluto’s status. The overwhelming majority agreed that Dr. Sasselov’s position was the most accurate and, to the delight of Pluto enthusiasts everywhere, believe that the tiny little mass should indeed be declared a planet once again.
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