WHEN the International Astronomical Union downgraded Pluto to a “dwarf planet” in 2006, outrage broke out on a grand scale. On page 44, there’s good news for Plutophiles. The great Pluto debate is far from over and, by one – rounded – definition, even the moon could be redefined as a planet. Ultimately, of course, this cosmic brouhaha changes nothing. In fact it makes astronomers look like stamp collectors, not serious scientists. Can these fine minds please focus on something more productive?
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from 91av
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending 91av articles
1
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
2
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem
3
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
4
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
5
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
6
Vaping after quitting smoking is linked to lung cancer
7
Are useful and error-free quantum computers only two years away?
8
The social media ban is an experiment – here’s how it will be studied
9
Inside the start-up aiming for a giant leap in robot intelligence
10
Alice Roberts: The forgotten origins of the human body
