Pluto

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that in the not so distant past, schoolchildren all over the world learned that the planet farthest away from the sun in our solar system was Pluto. The writer relates that they learned mnemonic devices to remember the names of all nine planets, made models and mobiles, all with Pluto orbiting at the very end of their dioramas. The writer then describes that in August 2006, after many years of intense debate, astronomers declared that Pluto was officially not a planet. The writer maintains that perhaps the real question about the usefulness of the new definition of planet will not revolve around Pluto, however dearly the old model may still be cherished in our culture, but how the definition is useful in classifying new solar systems. The writer also points out that the question of roundness and what is meant by clearing one's orbit and other points of contention will continue to generate lively debate within the scientific community and in schools, whatever Pluto's official status.

From the Paper:

"To say that Pluto is suddenly not a planet though, of course, is somewhat incorrect, as Pluto has remained unchanged, rather it is the scientific definition and astronomer's perceptions (and voting patterns within the organization) that have shifted."
"Surprisingly, until 2006, astronomy textbooks never had a single, universally agreed-upon definition for the word planet, as the IAU had never established exactly what constitutes a planet, and set specific scientific standards. However, defining a planet, or any astronomical body is always extremely difficult, as the definition must be universally applicable, to all solar systems, not just our own."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Britt, Robert Roy. "Scientists decide Pluto's no longer a planet: Planet definition approved, but dissenters plan a counteroffensive." MSNBC. 26 Aug 2006. 11 Mar 2007.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14489259/
• Britt, Robert Roy. "Controversial New Definition." Space.com. 16 Aug 2006. 11 Mar 2007. http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060816_planet_definition.html
• Inman, Mason. "Pluto Not a Planet, Astronomers Rule." National Geographic News. 24 Aug 2006. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/08/060824-pluto-planet.html
• "Pluto no longer a Planet." World Science Homepage. 26 Aug 2006. 11 Mar 2007. http://www.world-science.net/othernews/060824_planet.htm

More papers on Pluto:

• Research Paper # 91197 : "Is Pluto a Planet?"
• Term Paper # 113401 : "The Planet Pluto"
• Descriptive Essay # 113477 : "Pluto's Demotion from Fully-Fledged Planet"

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