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Pluto: the backlash begins

Astronomers petition against new definition of a planet.

The future of the Solar System — or at least that of some of its nomenclature — may be thrown into turmoil by scientists who are calling for a boycott of a new definition of a planet.

Read the story here.

Posted by Nicola Jones on August 30, 2006 05:36 PM |

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As a non-scientist but avid reader of all things scientific, I am amused and bewildered by this irrational obsession with the irrelevant.

Posted by: Ken Romans | September 2, 2006 02:32 AM

For those whose interest in Pluto has been piqued, you may be keen to know that the first mission to Pluto has turned on its cameras and all looks well (see http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Pluto_Bound_Camera_Sees_First_Light_999.html). Sadly, however, it isn't due to arrive until 2015, so we have a while to wait for pictures of this planet. I mean 'dwarf planet'. Or whatever.

Posted by: nicola jones | September 4, 2006 11:54 AM

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