New "planet" found in the outer solar system

[BigRob]

Astronomers have recently discovered a very large object orbiting out beyond Pluto. But, unike the other things they've seen out there, this one looks like it's bigger than Pluto. So will we get a tenth planet, or will Pluto be downgraded?

 

 

All you astro types have a look at:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4667100.stm

[Andyr]

I think Pluto's become too well-known to downgrade; by now most people probably realise there's a good few large bodies out there besides the 9 familiar planets.

[Sorrow]

Cool .

[Drew]

I thought that we already decided that pluto isn't actually a planets. (planet was plural on purpose) Did we change our minds again?

[neriana]

I think scientists are starting to say that maybe Pluto isn't technically a planet, but it's identified as one culturally, so they're letting it be one.

[BigRob]

Yeah, that's it. I'm pretty sure it's still on the official list of planets, even though most scientists recognise that it's a big Kupier Belt object. I just found it interesting that now it's not the biggest known one and they reckon there might be things out there even bigger still.

[Andyr]

I think scientists are starting to say that maybe Pluto isn't technically a planet, but it's identified as one culturally, so they're letting it be one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

^ Yeah.