Tag

Planetary Classification

All articles tagged with #planetary classification

astronomy1 year ago•7 min saved

"Debate: Is Pluto Still a Planet?"

The debate over Pluto's planetary status continues as experts discuss whether it should be reinstated as a planet. Mike Brown argues that Pluto's classification as a dwarf planet is more accurate, while Philip Metzger believes the decision to downgrade Pluto was irrelevant and that it never stopped being a planet. They also discuss the criteria for planet status and the search for "Planet Nine," with Brown emphasizing the need for evidence before confirming its existence. Both experts acknowledge the public's attachment to Pluto and its unique characteristics.

via National Geographic|

#astronomy #planet-nine #planetary-classification

astronomy2 years ago•3 min saved

Expanding the Definition of Earth-Like Planets and Habitable Zones

The definition of an Earth-like planet is subjective and varies depending on the criteria used. While some consider any rocky planet within a certain mass range to be Earth-like, others argue that it should also have a temperate temperature and a potentially habitable atmosphere. The presence of abundant life, particularly an oxygen-rich atmosphere, would greatly contribute to a planet being considered Earth-like. However, determining these factors is challenging, and the boundaries of what qualifies as Earth-like may narrow as more candidates are discovered.

via IFLScience|

#astronomy #atmosphere #earth-like-planets

astronomy2 years ago•8 min saved

The Catastrophic Reality of Super-Earth Planets

The idea of "super-Earth" exoplanets being more habitable than Earth is a myth, as most of these planets are actually mini-Neptunes or stripped planetary cores with thick atmospheres that make them inhospitable to life. The lack of small exoplanets is due to detection sensitivity, and the two primary methods for finding exoplanets are not optimized for finding Earth-sized or smaller worlds. The majority of exoplanets are Neptune-like, possessing large, volatile gas envelopes, and the prospects for habitability are dim. The rocky super-Earths that do exist are likely hot and close to their stars, making them more like Mercury than Earth.

via Big Think|

#astronomy #detection-methods #exoplanets