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Dwarf planet found to be heftier than Pluto

Eris is bigger and heavier than our Solar System's 'ninth planet'.

Whether you call it a planet or not, Pluto has officially been overtaken by a more massive planetary object — Eris (previously nicknamed Xena).

Read the story herehttp://www.nature.com/news/2007/070611/full/070611-10.html

Posted by Katharine Sanderson on June 14, 2007
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The fact that Eris is slightly larger than Pluto has been known since Eris' discovery. It does not in any way preclude either object from being considered a planet. How can we define what Pluto is or is not by the characteristics of another object? Sykes' point that under the IAU's problematic definition no Kuiper Belt Object could be considered a planet is well taken. This must be revised because it simply does not make sense. Pluto and Eris are the solar system's ninth and tenth planets. Astronomers need to create a system that recognizes many subcategories, all of which fall under the general definition of planet. This debate is far from over.

Posted by: Laurel Kornfeld | June 15, 2007 01:33 AM

The International Astronomical union may have to reconsider Eris's status as a planet. For one thing Eris is orbiting far from the Kuiper belt and has paractically cleared its orbital path of debris

Posted by: sunderajan | June 21, 2007 11:28 PM

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