A U.S. study has found that the scientific community was wrong to remove Pluto from its list of planets in the Solar System in 2006.
Pluto continues to be discussed in the scientific community. A study conducted by American astronomers and recently published Science Journal Icarus He argues that Pluto should not have been removed from the list of planets in the solar system. Decision taken since 2006, following a referendum by the International Astronomical Union (UAI).
Today, Pluto is considered a “dwarf planet.” However, this result has always been criticized by many American experts, which may be explained by the fact that if the star were to be rehabilitated, it would only be discovered by the United States. In 2018, a study with similar results has already been published by some of the authors of this new study.
A controversial definition
This case is not just the case of a few American researchers. In 2019, Jim Friedenzine, NASA’s executive between 2018 and 2021, explained in 2019 that he still believed that Pluto was a planet. “This is how I learned,” he justified.
Magazine Review Icarus Criticizes the criteria set by the UAI. Therefore, in order to be considered a sphere, the space object must be a sphere, orbit around a star and “have its orbit cleaned”, i.e. not surrounded by other small objects such as rocks.
It was at this last stage that Pluto did not qualify. In fact, many objects in orbit the same size as the dwarf planet are in the same orbit. If Pluto becomes a planet again, many objects discovered in the 20th century may claim it.
“Revolutionary History”
According to American scientists, the presence of celestial bodies around a dwarf planet should not be a criterion. Only the internal characteristics of the object should be the determining properties, according to which, not the function in its orbit. They also suggest that astronomers use the term “planet” for some distant objects that do not meet the internationally accepted definition, which, in their opinion, calls for a new debate.
According to the authors of the study, the UAI should “stop its unscientific definition and stop teaching revisionist history of its origins”.
More than 15 years after the referendum, there is still no consensus on Pluto’s merit. It remains to be seen whether the scientific community will more or less change its decision on why dwarf planets and other objects should not be added to the list of planets in the solar system in the future.
Edward Langley is a contributor to Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, business, technology, entertainment, lifestyle and current affairs. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced and accessible reporting that helps readers stay informed about important developments and emerging trends. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and useful insights, Edward aims to provide engaging stories and practical information that matter to audiences in the UK and beyond.