Short Wave Pluto Isn't A Planet — But It Gives Us Clues For How The Solar System Formed
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Jun 18, 2024 
Join planetary scientist Vladimir Lyra, an advocate for Pluto’s planetary status, as he dives deep into the debate surrounding Pluto's reclassification nearly 20 years ago. He shares insights on how this fiery discussion impacts our understanding of planet formation. Lyra argues for a reevaluation of what it truly means to be a planet, using Pluto as a case study. Discover the historical journey of celestial classification and explore the fascinating complexities of our solar system beyond the debate.
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Pluto's Demotion
- In 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet.
- This decision stemmed from the discovery of similarly sized objects and Pluto's inability to clear its orbital neighborhood.
Scientists vs. Planetary Scientists
- Planetary scientists argue that astronomers, not planetary scientists, voted on Pluto's planetary status.
- This highlights a potential conflict between the two scientific communities.
Planet Formation
- Planets form from dust and gas clouds, gradually accumulating into larger bodies called planetesimals.
- Planetesimals then either become planets, or crash and fragment into smaller bodies.