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pluto

How Many Planets, Exactly?

I’m dismayed by today’s vote by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) on their definition of a planet. Apparently, I’m not the only one… the 9,500 or so of the 10,000-ish total of astronomers who didn’t get to vote on this are a tiny bit upset as well. What’s upsetting me this time?

Planet, Planet, Burning Bright

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) submitted a proposal for the definition of a planet to its membership. No everyone was happy with what they came up with, including me. Here is my take on the silliness and my own attempt at a definition.