Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Could it be?

Astronomers to decide what makes a planet

Apparently the great planet controversy will officially come to an end this week. The International Astronomical Union has been discussing the issue for a year and planned to make an official statement next summer. However, the announcement of three potential planets in one day, one of which is larger than Pluto, was enough to inspire them to make a decision just a little bit quicker. It does make me wonder just what the IAU folks needed two full years to discuss; it's a controversy, but there aren't that many different choices to choose from. Review the facts, take a vote, and then we have an official definition.

I have a feeling that while officially there will be word, unofficially this debate isn't going to end any time soon.

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