Pluto's OK, We're OK

A lot of people, sweetly, have been asking for the Universe^(TM) perspective on this "new planets" issue. I've written about itonce before, of course, around the time that the latest new planet discovery really brought the question out into the astronomical limelight. This is, however, a long-standing issue.

For those of you who aren't abreast on this development: the increasingly frequent discovery of astronomical objects larger than Pluto (most of which reside in a belt of icy rocks outside Neptune called the Kuiper Belt) has put into serious question the status of Pluto as a planet. The International Astronomical Union, which convenes regularly to discuss nerd space issues, has, in the midst of its 26th General Assembly, proposed a new definition of the word "planet" which would open up the 9-buddy system to a whole new crew of planets. The new definition is as follows:

A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet.

Immediately, this would mean that Pluto's "moon," Charon, would be granted planet status, establishing the pair as the first ever (nominal) double-planet system. The asteroid Ceres and something called UB313 will also join the ranks if this new definition, slated for the General Assembly's vote on the 24th, is approved. Although most astronomers are relieved by this definition, it's probably going rattle everyone a whole lot.

I am, of course, thrilled. Why?

A) A non-governmental, autonomous body of brilliant astronomers convening in one place to discuss and vote on the issue of planets seems to be both kind of "old world" and very progressive.

B) The Solar System -- which has long been just that, a system -- is purely a symbolic entity designed to give us humans a feeling of mastery over the alienating cosmos. It's about time we grew up and dealt with how horrible and huge the universe is. It's totally scary not have the "old boys club" of nine planets around anymore, but it's also exciting. Dr. Stern, of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, pointed in a recent NY Times article on the subject that "nature is much richer than our imagination. Life is tough, life is complicated. Get over it."

C) People have always thought of the planets as being somehow separate from Earth, something that I find maddening. Perhaps with this widening of planetary standards we will come to realize our place within the definition. The stars in our night sky are just other suns with other planets around them -- from the point of view of rocks light years away, our sun is just a star. I know everyone knows this, but really: think about it.

D) What an epic time for astrology.