Defining the Heavens

It seems that scientists may have now found a tenth planet to our solar system beyond Pluto. However, before the object, known affectionately as UB313, can be called a planet they have to figure out what exactly makes a celestial body worthy of that classification. Is it size? If so, then the object would definitely meet the criterion since it is in fact bigger in size than our little Pluto. There are some scientists, though, who say that this new discovery should confirm that Pluto should be stripped of its planetary status and be reduced to being merely another small numbered body among many others in the solar system. That would leave us with only the eight that we had back in the 1800's. Is a planet any object that orbits the sun? That would make all of the astroids planets, which is a rather ridiculous proposition considering how small and numerous they are. Is it based upon composition? Jupiter is a ball of gas while the earth is made up of firmer materials. Is it an object that is not on fire with it's light coming from the sun's reflection? Is it the ofject's shape? All of the planets that we have right now are, for the most part, round. Would this new discovery fit into that category? The article from National Geographic mentions that if UB313 is worthy of planetary distinction then there are several other objects out there that must be considered for the same honor. Should there be a limit as to how many planets we have in our solar system? I am glad that there are astromony experts out there to make those decisions for us.

However, as I see it, there is one other thing that the scientists should take into consideration as they make their decision. Can you imagine how just adding this one planet would upset teachers and students the world over as the study astronomy? Instead of the traditional mnemonic of "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles (or Pizzas)" for remembering the planets names, they would have to come up with something new. Imagine the chaos that would result!