The IAU screwed up their planet definition 13 years ago today, but we've learned that dwarf planets like Pluto are full-fledged planets, &, numbering over 120, the most common type of planet, ahead of giants & terrestrials. @AlanStern @DrPhiltill @carolynporco @plutokiller
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Replying to @nasaman58 @AlanStern and
Is the moon a planet? If yes, you have a self-consistent argument that “planet” just means “round thing.” If no, you agree that the dynamics of the orbit are part of the definition.
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Replying to @kchangnyt @nasaman58 and
Phil's got the historical argument. Coming from the modern planetary science community, yes, moons are planets. I usually call them "planetary bodies" but sometimes I slip & call them planets and don't feel technically incorrect.
1 reply 1 retweet 9 likes -
Replying to @LauraForczyk @nasaman58 and
Phil's historical document mentions major planets, secondary planets and minor planets. You're lumping major planets and secondary planets but leaving out minor planets as "planets." None of this includes the notion of "round." Also ignores the history of Ceres.
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Other than Alan Stern, have yet to hear any planetary scientists push for teaching schoolchildren that the moon is a planet. Under that definition, yes, Pluto would be a planet.
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