We need more users named after planets (hexbear.net)

submitted 8 months ago by Dirt_Owl@hexbear.net to c/chapotraphouse@hexbear.net

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[-] Pluto@hexbear.net 4 points 8 months ago

Wait, really?

You're telling me that not only were the literal protests in the 2000s over Pluto's demotion done for a stupid reason (which was, ostensibly, Pluto "not being a planet anymore") but that the reason wasn't even true and valid to begin with?

HA!

[-] context@hexbear.net 7 points 8 months ago

the international astronomical union defines planet and dwarf planet to be distinct classes of object within the solar system, which means the official iau definition is that dwarf planets are not planets even though the word "planet" is in the name. but the protests were really about their definition not being a very good one, partly for that reason. according to the iau, for instance, exoplanets are also not planets, because planets have to be orbiting our sun in particular. there can only ever be 8 planets in the entire universe!

@Dirt_Owl@hexbear.net a dwarf frog is a frog that is small, but a dwarf planet doesn't meet the criteria for planet, so it's not one according to the iau.

i'm well aware that this is a 20-year-old niche nerd argument and you're both welcome to make fun of me for having a strong opinion about it.

[-] Pluto@hexbear.net 4 points 8 months ago

Interesting!

[-] Dirt_Owl@hexbear.net 4 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I have been out-nerded

[-] Pluto@hexbear.net 3 points 8 months ago

To The Last Axolotl, we're all nerds...

[-] Pluto@hexbear.net 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

I wouldn't make fun of you. We're friends, right? I remember you and I were mods for Hexbear, but I could be wrong. I was the first one to welcome you, I think?