Archive for August, 2006

 

Xena is a dwarf planet

August 24th, 2006

According to Space Daily, the IAU definitions of objects in our solar system can be best described this way:
The International Astronomical Union has decided that, to be called a planet, an object must have three traits. It must orbit the sun, be massive enough that its own gravity pulls it into a nearly round shape, [...]

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2003 UB313 Not a Planet

August 24th, 2006

The IAU decided today that our beloved tenth planet will not be defined as a planet. In fact, Pluto has been stripped of its planetary title as well. It’s a sad day here.

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Tenth planet may really be the twelfth planet

August 16th, 2006

The IAU is proposing the following definition of a planet, which would make our beloved tenth planet, really the 12th planet!
A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around [...]

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Definition of a planet coming soon

August 12th, 2006

The IAU (International Astronomical Union) will propose a definiton of a planet on August 18, 2006, and a vote on that proposed definiton will take place on August 24, 2006. Such a definition holds the fate of the tenth planet, as well as possibly the fate of Pluto. Are either of them a [...]

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