The Freak Planet
I realize that I'm way behind on reporting on last week's interplanetary developments, but I thought I would chip in anyway.
First, let me say I'm on board with the decision. I mean, it's smaller than many of the moons in the solar system (including our own), it's got a wacky orbit, and other newer "planets" were beginning to be discovered. It was only a matter of time before the International Astronomical Union came to it's senses.
Except what's up with the "dwarf planet" designation? This has created no small amount of consternation among those who care about such things. You would think that the term confers planetary status, but it doesn't. Quoting astronomer Owen Gingerich in the Washington Post: "...we are now faced with the absurdity that a dwarf planet is not a planet. Is a human dwarf not a human?"
Comments
I am just afraid of the problems this could bring about. I mean what if the Plutonians want to be part of our Solar System...what if they attack us??? Make sure you have you basements are full of rations.
Posted by: Kay | August 30, 2006 11:53 AM
i had heard it was just a dwarf "mass" -- not even a planet!
i'm surprised there's no commentary here yet about agassi's move into the next round ...
Posted by: jane | September 1, 2006 9:27 AM
wow, i didn't stay up to see the whole match. i thought agassi was cruising. looks like he wouldn't meet federer until the final. wouldnt that be something?
and what happened to hingis last night?
Posted by: ken | September 1, 2006 10:01 AM
internet at home has been spotty at best, but i've been meaning to respond, though, now it's moot, i guess! hadn't watched the whole game that nite, as was too busy checking out the bills' prospects for the coming season. hingis apparently went off her hinges. (hah! couldn't resist). sad about agassi though, especially given how poorly becker performed against roddick the next day, no? i was hoping for a bit more of an agassi run in his final appearance, but the send-off was quite touching in the end ...
Posted by: jane | September 5, 2006 11:02 PM