Pluto is not being denied planetary status. It has two designations, because it fits both designations.

Planets tend to be those which formed around the star (Sun) out of the primordial matter from which the Sun, itself, was formed. Objects which are thrown into the Solar System (such as comets) tend to have a separate category.

I think that the astronomers in the IAU are interested in studying Pluto in both ways. I personally like a science which is able to change with new information. I, myself, do not get bothered with change. So, I can live with this easily. However, just ignore the second category, because Pluto is, first of all, a planet, and only secondly, a TNO (almost as an afterthought).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And HAPPY NEW YEAR! to

BAD ASTRONOMER PHIL PLAIT and to this wonderful site!

ljbrs [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ljbrs on 2001-12-31 22:53 ]</font>