Pluto, a Planet Demoted
I’m saddened by the news that Pluto has been demoted from its lofty place among the planets of our solar system. Yes, it’s now called a dwarf planet , instead of a full-fledged one. So there are now only eight planets, not nine. It’s like saying goodbye to an old childhood friend.
I understand that the change is necessary as science continues to evolve. But just think of all the boys and girls who will have to say goodbye to one of the planets hanging from their ceiling. You know what I mean? Those kits that have 9 orbs and countless self-adhesive stars, all of which glow in the dark.
Textbooks will have to be changed. Now that’s a lesson to all school-aged children that not everything they read in books, even school textbooks, is set in stone. Homemade models of the solar system will have to be changed. Oy, and what of the scene from E.T. the movie, where the lovable alien shows Elliot where he came from?
Ah, change. Well, it may be of some consolation that astronomers themselves are still debating the issue hotly. Those who want to keep Pluto the Planet are planning a “counteroffensive” to restore its status.
My kids are still too little to know about these goings-on. I’m glad I don’t have to answer their questions about the whats and whys of the universe. Yet. Maybe when that time comes, the debate over Pluto will have settled itself, and everyone will be in agreement over what to call it.
Have your school-aged children asked you about Pluto lately?
Here are some facts about Pluto :
- Pluto’s day: 6.4 Earth days.
- Pluto’s year: 248 Earth years.
- Average distance from sun: 3.7 billion miles, or 5.9 billion kilometers.
- What’s in a name? Pluto is also the name of the Roman god of the underworld. It was suggested by many people, but credit was given to an 11-year-old girl from England.
[Source: MSNBC ]
Tags: Pluto, planets, solar system, science at home, homemaking
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POSTED IN: Castle News and Chit Chat, Home Making
3 opinions for Pluto, a Planet Demoted
Christina
Aug 25, 2006 at 8:45 am
I am sad about this too - it DOES feel like I’ve lost a friend. LOL
V
Aug 25, 2006 at 10:21 am
I know! I miss Pluto!
Maricar
Aug 25, 2006 at 8:13 pm
I’m glad that I wasn’t the only one… :)
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