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CNN.com: What’s a planet? Debate over Pluto rages on

From CNN.com: What’s a planet? Debate over Pluto rages on

It was three years ago Monday that the International Astronomical Union demoted Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet, a decision that made jaws drop around the world.

Earlier this year, the Illinois Senate adopted a resolution declaring that Pluto was “unfairly downgraded” and restoring “full planetary status” to the celestial body as it “passes overhead through Illinois’ night skies.”

I always wondered what a state legislature does.

As to Pluto, I agree with the downgrading of Pluto.  There are seven moons that are larger than Pluto, plus quite a few trans-Neptunian objects that are similar sized.  Either all those are planets or Pluto’s not a planet.

However, that doesn’t make Pluto any less interesting.  Pluto’s moon Charon is so large in comparison, that Charon doesn’t rotate around Pluto, but a point inbetween. 

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