Gourt > Science > Astronomy > Solar System > Pluto > Planet Controversy
A controversy is an opinion or opinions over which parties are actively arguing. Controversies can range from private disputes between two to large scale disagreements. Benford's law of controversy, as expressed by science-fiction author Gregory Benford in 1980, states "Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available."
Present-day areas of controversy include religion, politics, art, war, property, social class, taxes, and most recently in sports. Controversy in matters of theology has traditionally been particularly heated, giving rise to odium theologicum.
In law
In jurisprudence, a controversy differs from a case. While the latter includes all suits, criminal as well as civil, a controversy is a purely civil proceeding. For example, the Constitution of the United States states that "the judicial Power shall extend to ... Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party" (Article 3, Section 2). The meaning to be attached to the word Controversy in the constitution is that given above. More on [ Controversy ]
Kuiper Belt :: Solar System
Natural Kinds :: Logic and Ontology
2009: conflict, chaos and controversy: At times in 2009 it seemed as though the entire planet was united in joy or ... http://bit.ly/6prkAg
grandtippler (grandtippler) Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:22:55 -0000
2009: conflict, chaos and controversy: At times in 2009 it seemed as though the entire planet was united in joy or ... http://bit.ly/6prkAg
CBS News: Pluto: Planet Or Junk Snowball? - Outlines the history of the debate.
Meta Description: [ On the 75th anniversary of its discovery, astronomers still aren't sure or in agreement on whether it deserves its status as a planet. In fact, they're not even sure what the definition of a planet is. ]
Gravity Rules: The Nature of Planethood - Article discussing possible definitions that qualify objects, such as Pluto and Sedna in the Kuiper Belt, as being planets or not.
Meta Description: [ Boulder - Mar 22, 2004 - I am a planetary scientist, so you won't find it surprising that this past Monday evening, March 15th, the dinner table conversation at our home eventually turned to the discovery of the largest ever Kuiper Belt Object, Sedna (2003 VB12). When I remarked that I was amused... ]
IAU: Trans-Neptunian Object 2003 UB313 - Re-announces formation of a working group to produce a formal definition of a planet, in conjunction with the announcement of this Trans-Neptunian object larger than Pluto, which will not be named pending a formal definition.
Is Pluto a Giant Comet? - Discusses related discoveries and excerpts.
Much ado about Pluto - News release from NASA affirming Pluto's planetary status.
Meta Description: [ Last thursday Pluto regained its
status as the ninth planet from the sun when it crossed Neptune's
orbit. Recent discoveries of Pluto-like objects in the distant recesses of the
Solar System have threatened to strip Pluto of
its planetary status altogether. ]
National Geographic News: Pluto: Planet or Comet? - Discusses Pluto's similarity to other Kuiper Belt objects, and introduces a 5-way classification scheme for solar system objects to break down the lumping together of dissimilar planets.
Meta Description: [ Pluto: Planet or Comet? Long considered the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto has always been a little different: it has an unusual orbit, and is smaller than a number of planetary moons. Now, recent discoveries about the outer edge of the solar system, are causing some scientists to call f... ]
New Horizons: Is Pluto a Planet? - Brief discussion of the controversy, and suggested classification of Ice Dwarf for Pluto, Charon, Sedna, and similar objects.
Pluto - Argues that Pluto is the most important Kuiper Belt object, not the least important planet, based on its orbit and other properties. From astronomer Dave Jewitt, who studies comets and other primitive solar system bodies.
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Pluto is a Planet - Argues that Pluto meets the simplest and most coherent definition, rebuts opposing arguments, and lists various characteristics of all 9 planets to show what a diverse group they are. From astronomer John Stansberry of the Steward Observatory in Arizona, US.
SciZone - Ontario Science Centre: Pluto: Planet or Not? - Brief nontechnical introduction to Pluto and similar objects such as Sedna and Quaoar, and a summary of the features that make Pluto different than the other planets. Includes a capsule summary of the arguments for and against calling Pluto a planet.
Meta Description: [ The Ontario Science Centre's mission is 'to delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology.' ]
SPACE.com: Pluto's Planet Status Could be Jeopardized by Sedna Discovery - Discusses the ongoing debate over the definition of the term planet, and suggests that if Pluto should be considered a planet, so should Sedna and similar bodies.
Meta Description: [ The discovery of a nearly Pluto-sized object way beyond the known worlds could jeopardize the status of Pluto as a planet, adding fresh fuel to an argument among astronomers that is likely to last years. In the end, our solar system will likely shrink to eight planets or grow to more than a dozen. ]
The Status of Pluto - Clarification from the International Astronomical Union on Pluto's planetary status.
What is a Planet - Reviews newly-discovered objects that stretch the definition of the term, including massive superjupiters, free-floating planets, and other exoplanets. Suggests a definition based on the way an object is formed. From astronomer Gibor Basri.
When Is a Planet Not a Planet? - Articles discusses the debate whether Pluto should be included among the planets. [Atlantic Monthly]
Meta Description: [ Arguments for and against demoting Pluto ]
Yes, Pluto Really is a Planet - Argues that no commonly-accepted category fits it better. Includes a proposed definition of planet, and a list of known objects meeting it. From Lowell Observatory astronomer Marc W. Buie.
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