Does Pluto have an atmosphere? I mean, given that they'd established Charon is a satellite, I can see why it couldn't be a planet. Part of the definition of a planet, if I remember correctly, is that it has to have atmosphere. Thus, these asteroids and moons that people may have wanted to become planets due to their size just don't fit the criteria.

But then young children will amend that to be 'Mike's Very Eager Mother Just Sucked Ur Nuts'. The public school system will be in ruins!

Well, Pluto may be out now but there could be a new planet. As it has been mentioned, 2003 UB313 (Xena) has been talked about becoming a planet.

It probably has a good chance at becoming the new 9th planet. It certainly is larger than Pluto after all.

Oh, I heard the decision on the news this morning. They explained that while Pluto wont be called a planet now it, and other objects like it in that belt, will be classified as a "Dwarf Planet".

Mercury doesn't have an atmosphere and it's still a planet.

I like this new definition and this new ruling.


Boofucking hoo textbooks have to be rewritten. Big deal it happens all the time. Jesus I hope you people aren't serious about your precious memory. Memory is flawed, and besides, learning and discovering new things is fun.

Well, I'd assume that it was official.
It's about to be on the news, they just announced it.
Pluto is not a planet.

That's one of the reasons why New Horizons was launched to Pluto. Pluto is believe to have a temporary atmosphere. Once it's reached out far enough, it sublimes onto the surface because of the sheer cold at such distances. By getting nearer to the sun, such as when it has crossed Neptune's orbit, it's enough heat to sublime back into a gas. New Horizons is supposed to investigate it right around when this freeze happens.

Oh yes it does. A very thin one that is made up of the particles blasted off the surface from impacts and solar wind. The heat allows for the thin veil to escape the planet very easily. Go check it out at Nine Planets.