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> The IAU made a decision about this, not for scientific reasons but for naming conventions (they have a different naming convention for planets and non-planets

> The IAU made a decision about this, not for scientific reasons but for naming conventions (they have a different naming convention for planets and non-planets). Reading https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming/#dwarfplanets https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming/#dwarfplanets, it says “The name is intended to reflect the characteristics of the body itself, and be an appropriate moniker derived from mythology. Objects, including dwarf planets, far beyond the orbit of Neptune are expected to be given the name of a deity or figure related to creation” Pluto is a Greek god related to the underworld, not to creation, so it doesn’t fit that pattern, does it? I also don’t see how Eris (the Greek goddess of discord and strife. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(mythology) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(mythology)) fits that pattern. Also, it’s not “non-planets”, it’s “dwarf planets”. Pluto still is considered a planet in the terminology of the IAU, but not a ‘planet planet’ (my term, not an IAU one)

bnralt 3y ago
No, according to the IAU Pluto and other dwarf planets are not a planet and there's only 8 planets in the solar system, and dwarf planets aren't considered planets. For example, from their site[1]: > The 2006 IAU Resolution means that the Solar System officially consists of eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. In the same resolution, a new distinct class of objects, called dwarf planets, was also defined. Dwarf planets not being considered planets is just one of the reasons why the current definition is viewed by some as less than ideal. [1] https://www.iau.org/public/themes/pluto/ https://www.iau.org/public/themes/pluto/
- sandworm101 3y ago
  >> dwarf planets aren't considered planets. I love the internal conflict contained in that statement. In any other context it would be ridiculous. Dwarf dogs aren't considered dogs. Dwarf humans aren't considered humans. The entire controversy isn't about definitions or scientific accuracy. It is about reclaiming history. It is about a small group of today's scientists wanting to assert their power through language. It is about asserting dominance by redefining language to create a break between those who are educated in the modern lexicon and the ignorant who came before. It is about declaring all previous works about the solar system wrong, or at least old hat, not through argument but by decree. It is the exact opposite of scientific pursuit.

bnralt 3y ago

No, according to the IAU Pluto and other dwarf planets are not a planet and there's only 8 planets in the solar system, and dwarf planets aren't considered planets. For example, from their site[1]: > The 2006 IAU Resolution means that the Solar System officially consists of eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. In the same resolution, a new distinct class of objects, called dwarf planets, was also defined. Dwarf planets not being considered planets is just one of the reasons why the current definition is viewed by some as less than ideal. [1] https://www.iau.org/public/themes/pluto/ https://www.iau.org/public/themes/pluto/

sandworm101 3y ago
>> dwarf planets aren't considered planets. I love the internal conflict contained in that statement. In any other context it would be ridiculous. Dwarf dogs aren't considered dogs. Dwarf humans aren't considered humans. The entire controversy isn't about definitions or scientific accuracy. It is about reclaiming history. It is about a small group of today's scientists wanting to assert their power through language. It is about asserting dominance by redefining language to create a break between those who are educated in the modern lexicon and the ignorant who came before. It is about declaring all previous works about the solar system wrong, or at least old hat, not through argument but by decree. It is the exact opposite of scientific pursuit.