It seems as though what I learnt in school about there being nine planets in our solar system will soon be outdated. Very soon actually.
It seems as though Astronomers worldwide are now in a definition war over what the three new planets (?) will be classified. Ceres, Charon and 2003 UB 313 are all relatively newly found planets, which could all be classified as planets in the near future. Actually Pluto, Charon and 2003 UB 313 will all be classified as Plutons, which will leave 8 “classical” planets.
Confused? Me too! But the next few days and weeks should end all the bickering amongst Astronomers.
That would make Caltech researcher Mike Brown, who found 2003 UB313, formally the discoverer of the 12th planet. But he thinks it’s a lousy idea.
The founder of “planet” 2003 UB 313, Mike Brown recently said, “It’s flattering to be considered discoverer of the 12th planet”. He applauded the committee’s efforts but said the overall proposal is “a complete mess.” By his count, the definition means there are already 53 known planets in our solar system with countless more to be discovered.
Space.com has all the detailed info to this worldwide debate.
