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Tara_Hastings Beyond the Forecast

by Tara_Hastings from FOX 11 Weather

Last Post 21 days, 4 hours Ago


8 Planets but.....
Jun 16, 2008 | 10:14 AM
Category: Weather
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About two years ago Pluto had its planet classification taken away.  First of all why was there never a definition for a planet?  It seems odd but we have a definition now and Pluto doesn't fit it.  I grew up learning there was 9 planets in our solar system but now kids will have to learn there are 8 planets and two "plutoids". 
What is a plutoid?  All distant bodies that are similar to Pluto.  This comes from the International Astronomical Union which decided on the definition and name last week.   Plutoids Pluto and Eris circle the sun and are too small to be considered a planet but they have enough gravity to keep them in a near spherical shape. Oh one other thing...Plutiods have to be farther from the sun than Neptune. 
My question is how is this going to work in with that song I learned in school to help me remember the names and order of the planets?  My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine...
Tara
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Tara_Hastings

I've been a Meteorologist at FOX 11 since 2004. Not only do I love the weather but all areas of science. In this blog I'm going to go "beyond the forecast" and show you interesting things with the environment and space. Enjoy!!

Member Since: 11/16/2007


 

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