being a bit of a geek I subscribe to the newscientist newsletter - got this the other day... pretty exciting!
"NewScientistSpace.com - NEWSFLASH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New world may be double Pluto's size
Astronomical detectives have made a stunning discovery. Hiding in
plain view, the object may be the biggest orbiting in the outer
solar system.
The find suggests more such worlds are waiting to be discovered and
is likely to reignite the fierce debate about what constitutes a
planet.
Click on the link below for the full story on NewScientistSpace.com:
http://www.newscientistspace.com/article/dn7751"
Apparently it's got a funny shaped orbit which is one of the reasons they haven't spotted it before. Makes you realise how little we know about even our own little corner of the universe....
New planet?!
- Accountable
- Posts: 24818
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am
New planet?!
I hear the theme from 'Aladin' playing in the background.
But why the debate about what constitutes a planet? I didn't see the justification in the article.
But why the debate about what constitutes a planet? I didn't see the justification in the article.
New planet?!
Hmm, good question, I don't know...
guess it's something to do with the size or density...?
any astronomers out there willing to shed some light?!
guess it's something to do with the size or density...?
any astronomers out there willing to shed some light?!
- chonsigirl
- Posts: 33633
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:28 am
New planet?!
Here's the article from another site.........
Palomar found it!
Great observattory!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3511678.stm
Palomar found it!
Great observattory!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3511678.stm