Will Neptune Be Next?

Posted on August 26, 2006

Some experts say that Pluto's recent demotion to dwarf planet could set a precedent and that Neptune could be next.

The solar system's biggest planets are at risk of being stripped of their status after the world's top astronomers voted to downgrade Pluto into the dwarf planet category. Experts claim that the definition for planets adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) could also see Neptune downgraded. They say that both planets fail to meet all the criteria set by the IAU.
But other leading astronomers insist the decision to demote Pluto to the status of a "dwarf planet" has allowed them to deal with the difficult problem that there are several other Pluto-like objects orbiting our Sun. Earlier this month the IAU proposed increasing the number of planets to 12 by recognising three new planets, the asteroid Ceres, Pluto's moon Charon and the distant world known as 2003 UB313.
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In the definition set by the astronomers, all planets must now "orbit the Sun, have sufficient mass for its gravity to form a nearly-round shape and have cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit". Pluto was downgraded as its orbit crosses with that of Neptune, meaning that it was classed as a dwarf planet as it had not cleared its orbit. But critics claim that the IAU vote, which was passed by a majority, should be abandoned as only around 400 of the union's 10,000 members took part in the vote in Prague last week.
Martin Hendry, a senior lecturer in astronomy at Glasgow University and member of the IAU, said: "Unless the science underlying this is rigorous, how can we expect to agree on a definition that will be not only understood by ourselves, but other forms of life if and when we encounter them?" Planetologists have now started a campaign to have Pluto reinstated. Astronomers leading the Nasa New Horizons mission that will explore the distant regions of the solar system including Pluto, described last week's decision as "muddled". Harold Weaver, from the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and a New Horizons project scientist, said: "Since many 'Plutinos', including Pluto, cross Neptune's orbit, I'd say Neptune's neighbourhood still needs some clearing."

In more disturbing political news, astrologers are warning that those who fall under the astrological sign Scorpio are in for a rough ride because of Pluto's demotion. The Wall Street Journal reports:

Astrologers believe that the positions of the moon, sun and stars affect human affairs and that people born under the 12 signs of the Zodiac tend to pick up qualities of the planets associated with those signs. Some astrologers, including leaders of the American Federation of Astrologers and the Astrological Association of Great Britain, are standing firmly by Pluto. They say they will continue to regard the icy orb as a full-blown planet with a powerful pull on our psyche, despite the astronomers' decision.
"Whether he's a planet, an asteroid, or a radioactive matzo ball, Pluto has proven himself worthy of a permanent place in all horoscopes," says Shelley Ackerman, columnist for the spirituality Web site Beliefnet.com. Ms. Ackerman criticized the IAU for not including astrologers in its decision. Others warned that Scorpios -- people born between Oct. 23 and Nov. 21 -- should be especially cautious in the coming days because the sign is closely associated with Pluto.
"Scorpios can be extremely explosive, and very direct, and this could be the trigger that makes them explode," says Milton Black, an Australian astrologer who claims to have more than 580,000 clients. Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice, take note. All three are Scorpios.

There you have it. If you were born between October 23rd and November 21st, you've been warned. Try to keep that Plutonian temper under control, ok?