golge011/astronomy

What happened when International Astronomical Union (IAU) demoted Pluto's planetary status? It wasn't known till 1930. After discovered by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh Pluto was considered the ninth planet. The last outpost of solar system. The last step to the space beyond. Now it is another Kuiper Belt object. Although it is named dwarf planet it no longer has old glory.

Or our naming has no consequence? It's just an expression of our culture and having more than ten planets in solar system will not be a great change. Alas planet Pluto is gone till it meets the third criteria of IAU. These criteria are below:

1. The object must be in orbit around the Sun.

2. The object must be massive enough to be a sphere by its own gravitational force. More specifically, its own gravity should pull it into a shape of hydrostatic equilibrium.

3. It must have cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.

From the page:"The Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has today urged British industrialists to embrace technological innovation as the UK seeks out new ways of meeting the countries future energy demands - including the possibility of harnessing solar power from space."..."Speaking at the conference, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks hoped Britain could be at the forefront of future initiatives."..."We have no choice. Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable; our carbon emissions are throwing the climate out of balance."

There are many more planets, many more wonders out there. Wish I could go to Neptune or Saturn one day. :)