WHEN the International Astronomical Union downgraded Pluto to a “dwarf planet” in 2006, outrage broke out on a grand scale. On page 44, there’s good news for Plutophiles. The great Pluto debate is far from over and, by one – rounded – definition, even the moon could be redefined as a planet. Ultimately, of course, this cosmic brouhaha changes nothing. In fact it makes astronomers look like stamp collectors, not serious scientists. Can these fine minds please focus on something more productive?
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
3
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
4
The race to understand how and when Thwaites glacier will collapse
5
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
6
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
7
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
8
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
9
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
10
The surprising ways your brain changes from your 20s to your 40s
