If Pluto remains the yardstick for planet classification, our solar system's family of planets might increase.
The dark and mysterious connotation of Pluto may also disappear if larger planetary bodies are discovered which are more distant than Pluto.
Right now (the planet without a name) 2003 UB313 (which sounds like a Rap band) is larger than Pluto.
Pluto's diameter is 1,430 miles. 2003 UB313's diameter is 1,860 miles. Not a huge difference, but a difference.
And 2002 UB313 travels twice as far from the Sun as Pluto.
Scientists now believe there are hundreds of planets located in the Kuiper Belt as big as or bigger than Pluto.
But instead of being called planets these other round worlds may be named dwarf planets.
(Do we have to be so perjorative and condescending?)
Additonal Kuiper Belt Objects with the largest albedos (reflectiveness and diameter) could keep expanding our own little neighborhood in the Cosmos.
Keep your eyes on the skies!
The dark and mysterious connotation of Pluto may also disappear if larger planetary bodies are discovered which are more distant than Pluto.
Right now (the planet without a name) 2003 UB313 (which sounds like a Rap band) is larger than Pluto.
Pluto's diameter is 1,430 miles. 2003 UB313's diameter is 1,860 miles. Not a huge difference, but a difference.
And 2002 UB313 travels twice as far from the Sun as Pluto.
Scientists now believe there are hundreds of planets located in the Kuiper Belt as big as or bigger than Pluto.
But instead of being called planets these other round worlds may be named dwarf planets.
(Do we have to be so perjorative and condescending?)
Additonal Kuiper Belt Objects with the largest albedos (reflectiveness and diameter) could keep expanding our own little neighborhood in the Cosmos.
Keep your eyes on the skies!
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