[AZ-Observing] Re: Planets
- From: "Mozdzen, Tom J" <tom.j.mozdzen@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 11:21:13 -0700
This is like the Y2K glitch for astrologers, but with less warning. Just
like that, all of their predictions are thrown out of whack. I suppose
there will be class action suits for inaccurate horoscopes, personal
advice, etc.
Bad time to be an astrologer...
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Thom/TFW
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:24 AM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Planets
http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/iau0603/index.html
IAU 2006 General Assembly: Result of the IAU Resolution votes
24. August 2006, Prague
.....IAU Resolution: Definition of a Planet in the Solar System
Contemporary observations are changing our understanding of planetary
systems, and it is important that our nomenclature for objects reflect
our current understanding. This applies, in particular, to the
designation 'planets'. The word 'planet' originally described
'wanderers' that were known only as moving lights in the sky. Recent
discoveries lead us to create a new definition, which we can make using
currently available scientific information.
RESOLUTION 5A
The IAU therefore resolves that "planets" and other bodies in our Solar
System be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A "planet"1 is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun,
(b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body
forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round)
shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
(2) A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the
Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body
forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round)
shape2 , (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d)
is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects3 except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be
referred to collectively as "Small Solar-System Bodies".=20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
1The eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, and Neptune.
2An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into
either dwarf planet and other categories.
3These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
IAU Resolution: Pluto
RESOLUTION 6A
The IAU further resolves:
Pluto is a "dwarf planet" by the above definition and is recognized as
the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.1
"Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means" Francis
Hutchenson a Scot philosopher
Thom
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