[meteorite-list] Re: The IAU Draft Definition of 'Planet' and 'Plutons'

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Mon Aug 21 12:10:47 2006
Message-ID: <200608211607.JAA15266_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

>The IAU draft Resolution also defines a new category of planet for
>official use: "pluton". Plutons are distinguished from classical planets
>in that they reside in orbits around the Sun that take longer than 200
>years to complete (i.e. they orbit beyond Neptune). Plutons typically
>have orbits that are highly tilted with respect to the classical planets
>(technically referred to as a large orbital inclination). Plutons also
>typically have orbits that are far from being perfectly circular
>(technically referred to as having a large orbital eccentricity). All of
>these distinguishing characteristics for plutons are scientifically
>interesting in that they suggest a different origin from the classical
>planets.

The word 'pluton' is already defined as a geoligic term.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pluton

pluton - n. A body of igneous rock formed beneath the surface of the earth
by consolidation of magma.

pluton - n. large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have
solidified deep within the earth [syn: batholith, batholite, plutonic rock]

Ron Baalke
Received on Mon 21 Aug 2006 12:07:42 PM PDT