Astronomers struggle to define 'planet'

August 13, 2006 Stars

(AP) -- Our solar system is suffering an identity crisis. For decades, it has consisted of nine planets, even as scientists debated whether Pluto really belonged. Then the recent discovery of an object larger and farther away than Pluto threatened to throw this slice of the cosmos into chaos.



Content from The Associated Press expires 15 days after original publication date. For more information about The Associated Press, please visit www.ap.org .

Similar stories from PHYSorg:


Pluto Could Lose Planet Status

created Jun 21, 2006 | popularity 4.1 / 5 (41) | comments 0

Plutoid chosen as name for solar system objects like Pluto

created Jun 11, 2008 | popularity 3.9 / 5 (9) | comments 0

Astronomers Measured Mass of Largest Dwarf Planet

created Jun 18, 2007 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (9) | comments 0

Pluto Isn't Even Largest Dwarf Planet

created Jun 14, 2007 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (29) | comments 0

New 'planet' is larger than Pluto

created Feb 01, 2006 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (30) | comments 0


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - 4.4 /5 (22 votes)


August 13, 2006 all stories

Comments: 0

4.4 /5 (22 votes)
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this



  • hide
  • Relevant PhysicsForums posts

  • Black hole confusion
    created 7 hours ago
  • Moon tied to Earth
    created 15 hours ago
  • Water on the Moon!
    created 19 hours ago
  • Is it possible for a single super-massive black hole...
    created 19 hours ago
  • More from Physics Forums - General Astronomy

Other News

LCROSS Impact Data Indicates Water on Moon

LCROSS Impact Finds Water on the Moon

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

created 19 hours ago | popularity 4.9 / 5 (20) | comments 8

(PhysOrg.com) -- The argument that the moon is a dry, desolate place no longer holds water. Secrets the moon has been holding, for perhaps billions of years, are now being revealed to the delight of scientists ...


Wind power turbines in Dali, in China's southwestern Yunnan province

China tipped as global leader in green tech

Space & Earth / Environment

created 3 hours ago | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 2

China can become the world's top exporter of "green technology" if it carries out crucial energy and ecological reforms, leading environmental campaigners said here Saturday.


Underwater robot probes depths for Istanbul quake clues

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

created 3 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

A state-of-the-art underwater robot called BOB may hold the key to protecting millions of people around Turkey's biggest city against a massive earthquake scientists say is all but inevitable.


Mysterious X-rays from a Nearby Galaxy

Mysterious X-rays from a Nearby Galaxy

Space & Earth / Astronomy

created 19 hours ago | popularity 3.9 / 5 (8) | comments 9

(PhysOrg.com) -- The nucleus of an active galaxy, an AGN, contains a massive black hole that is vigorously accreting material. In the process it typically ejects jets of particles and radiates brightly at ...


Hawaii planning to replenish sand at Waikiki Beach

Space & Earth / Environment

created 3 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(AP) -- Hawaii officials are appealing to the state's tourism authority for funds to restore part of world-famous Waikiki Beach.