Solar System Shrinks, Pluto Demoted
Friday, August 25th, 2006
A few minutes ago, I just watched CNN report this historic ‘upheaval’ (is it too strong a word?) in astronomy and the whole of science, and I’m now convinced of one thing: I am getting old. While I went to grade school to learn that there are 9 planets in the solar system, my kids will be memorizing the number 8.
Many astronomers have said it was inevitable, while loyalists have pleaded for the status quo…and now it’s settled. Pluto has been stripped of planetary status by the International Astronomical Union; August 24, 2006 is now a date that will live in infamy glory as the day when the solar system was downsized.
