I was reading an article on space.com today (http://space.com/scienceastronomy/06...nets_rxns.html) about what the public thought about demoting pluto.

Does anybody feel that we are taking the public's opinion on pluto too seriously? I mean, should the historical or public's perception on pluto have any bearing on whether we define it to be a planet or not?

I don't see why astronomers should feel forced to alter the definition of a planet because it has been loved by children. Honestly now, I don't want to seem black hearted or anything (I'm not) but does it really matter? It almost feels as if we're molding science to better fit history and public thought rather than pushing it forward.

Also, wouldn't removing pluto and having 8 planets be alot more economical than keeping pluto and adding hundreds? I feel as if people seem alot more surprised by adding 3 and calling them "plutons" rather than just removing pluto all together.