Pluto is still being discussed

Still in the news. I have argued that scientific terminology is separate from common definitions and is subject to change and that it is quite feasible for Pluto to remain in the folklore and yet have a different [scientific] definition. As stated below:

"I was surprised at the hubbub raised by Pluto's reclassification," says Lattis. "It makes sense to clearly define a scientific term, but in retrospect people are understandably attached to their language, and suddenly telling native speakers that they've been misusing a common word is asking for trouble. It would have made more sense to abandon (for scientific purposes) common words rather than to redefine them to contradict their common meaning. Many scientific fields have specialized, clearly defined terminologies, and astronomy should do the same. If you told people they can no longer call a tomato a vegetable (because it's technically a fruit), you would have a similar problem."

"Curiosities: Why isn't Pluto considered a planet anymore?"

November 14th, 2010

Wisconsin State Journal

Q: Why is Pluto not considered a planet?

A: Until 2006, astronomers had not carefully defined "planet," says James Lattis, director of the UW-Madison Space Place. Asteroids were not considered planets because they are too small and numerous. Likewise, comets were not considered planets because they are too small and have noncircular orbits that go far outside the plane of the solar system (location of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, and the other "real" planets).

Although astronomers recognized nine planets, "Pluto had always been suspect because we knew it was small and followed a noncircular orbit that deviates far above and below the plane of the solar system," says Lattis. By 2006, Pluto was demoted because it was clear that it is one of thousands of objects that occupy the distant Kuiper Belt.

Pluto is too small and its orbit too elliptical to fit that "planet" category, Lattis says. "To be consistent, we've developed a new category of ‘dwarf planets' that includes Pluto and two similar objects."

Eight planets still satisfy the more rigorous definition of "planet" - a large object with an orbit that is fairly circular and within the plane of the solar system. "Astronomy is a science of discovery, and it's only fair to expect that we will expand our list of objects — and perhaps our categories as well," says Lattis.

"I was surprised at the hubbub raised by Pluto's reclassification," says Lattis. "It makes sense to clearly define a scientific term, but in retrospect people are understandably attached to their language, and suddenly telling native speakers that they've been misusing a common word is asking for trouble. It would have made more sense to abandon (for scientific purposes) common words rather than to redefine them to contradict their common meaning. Many scientific fields have specialized, clearly defined terminologies, and astronomy should do the same. If you told people they can no longer call a tomato a vegetable (because it's technically a fruit), you would have a similar problem."

One of the comments to the above is interesting...

Noel Radomski said...

Wait! Professor Lattis and others need to review the adopted 2006 city resolution, wittily crafted by Alder Ken Golden.

City of Madison
Legislative File Number 04419 (version 1)

Title: Proclaiming Pluto as Madison's ninth planet.

WHEREAS, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has recently declared that Pluto is no longer a planet of our solar system and is instead part of a new category of planets that they intend to name "dwarf" planets; and

WHEREAS, one of the reasons for this demotion is that Pluto is small, which they call being a "dwarf," suggesting the IAU does not tolerate diversity; and

WHEREAS, Pluto's orbit intersects the orbit of Neptune and is somewhat elliptical, which also is being used as a reason for disqualifying it as a planet, suggesting that the IAU really does not tolerate planets pursuing different lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, there are two other astronomical bodies - UB313 and Ceres - that could also qualify for planetary status were we to be consistent with declaring Pluto a planet; and

WHEREAS, while UB313 has been nicknamed Xena after a noted television character very popular with the lesbian and gay community, the IAU has resisted making this name official, again suggesting a level of intolerance; and

WHEREAS, "plutocracy" means the reign of wealth or the wealthy; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has expressed concerns that, should this resolution pass, Madison might be perceived as a plutocracy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison declares that Pluto is its ninth planet.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City supports Pluto and values its dwarf status.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City supports planets that take a different path, such as Ceres and Xena.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City requests Neptune modify its orbit to assist Pluto in qualifying for planetary status and that Neptune declare this to be a reasonable astronomical accommodation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city urges the IAU to adopt an Inclusionary Astronomy rule giving planets that might be small, have elliptical orbits and exist with differences equal status to the other planets.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City declares it is not in any way favoring a plutocracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City believes that Inclusionary Astronomy is also a way to counter any suggestion that this resolution endorses plutocracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City requests the International Astronomical Union to reconsider its decision, to grant Ceres and UB313 planetary status, and to give UB313 the name Xena as a gesture of inclusiveness.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City invites any representatives of Pluto (should any exist) to an upcoming Common Council meeting where they will receive the keys to the city, passes to the Goodman Pool, an honorary membership in the Chamber of Commerce (to ensure that the folks on Pluto realize how business-friendly Madison really, REALLY is) and, finally, an autographed CD from the Dixie Chicks.