Archive for 2006

Dwarf Planet Names: Eris and Dysnomia!

Thursday, September 14th, 2006 at 11:38 AM

With all the hub-bub with Pluto’s demotion from a planet to a dwarf planet, it is interesting to note that the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named the object that is slightly larger than Pluto. The dwarf planet’s name is Eris and its satellite is Dysnomia. It’s former designation was 2003 UB 313. [...]

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Stop the presses, there are now only 8 planets!

Thursday, August 24th, 2006 at 12:25 PM

Well, the IAU has changed their minds. We now have 8 Planets!
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has changed their minds on the topic of planets. They initially proposed 12 planets but now have decided that there are 8 “Classical” Planets consisting of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
The IAU resolution 5A [...]

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A New Solar System - 12 Planets!

Thursday, August 17th, 2006 at 10:43 AM

Wow! The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has submitted to its membership a new set of definitions for planets and smaller solar system bodies. They are now called “Planets” and “Plutons”, or pluto-like bodies. Please see the IAU text, http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/iau0601/iau0601_release.html
Planets are defined as “a large and round body”. This implies that the planet [...]

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Pluto’s Moons and Planetary Status

Wednesday, June 28th, 2006 at 01:26 PM

The composition of Pluto is similar to those of comets, which lie outside of Neptune’s orbit.The object 2003 UB313, or also known as Xena, will also be looked at closely to be determined if it is a planet or not. 2003 UB 313 is slightly larger than Pluto, is further out than Pluto, and has a greater inclination to the ecliptic (44 degrees).In August this summer, the IAU will give a definition of a planet and will decide if Pluto or Xena fit the definition.

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Would You Believe a Million Pieces?

Thursday, May 11th, 2006 at 11:27 AM

(Courtesy: NOAO)In a followup to my previous post on Comet 73P/Schwassman-Wachmann 3, the latest image from the Spitzer Space Telescope shows innumerable pieces that have broken off from Comet 73P/Schwassman-Wachmann 3. The Spitzer Space Telescope is an infrared telescope meaning it sees infrared light, which has wavelengths just a bit longer than the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum you or I can see with our eyes.

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