• affiliate@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    this condition makes “planetness” into a local condition. so theoretically, we can throw enough junk into space and stop anything we want from being a planet.

    pluto just got unlucky in terms of the amount of trash it has in its way. its not fair :(

      • DigitalDruid@lemmy.sdf.org
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        2 months ago

        Bad astronomy and fake news below please ignore me.

        also Pluto lovers should note that orbital dominance takes longer the farther out you are, due to the size of the orbit itself and the sheer amount of time it takes to make a trip around, limiting interactions with neighbors.

        Pluto will eventually own it’s orbit and whatever species has inherited the earth by then may decide to grant it full planet status again!

        • marcos@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          and whatever species has inherited the earth by then

          Well, only if we move the Earth safely outwards of the huge Sun.

          • DigitalDruid@lemmy.sdf.org
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            2 months ago

            You made me curious about the timeframe and it turns out I had it completely wrong.

            Pluto’s lack of orbital dominance is a matter of size not time, it’s already had the required time it’s just too wee to get it done. Pluto will never be a full planet!