An UCF scientist wants to make Pluto a planet again

Labeling Pluto as a "dwarf planet" – as decided by the International Astronomical Union in 2006 – has never been very well received by the planet scientist and professor at the University of Central Florida, Philip Metzger.

"It's the most geologically active planet apart from Earth," Metzger said yesterday at the WSB television channel in Atlanta. "There are glaciers flowing, mountains moving, it's possible, at least possiblethat Pluto could have life. "

Two problems: there are 4.6 billion kilometers, so it's hard to confirm. And after the AIU declared that Pluto was not a planet because it's not big enough to remove debris from its orbit, it's hard to convince them otherwise.

"I think that, unfortunately, textbooks have escaped Pluto and the entire solar system," Metzger said.

Metzger and fellow researchers at John Hopkins University and the Planetary Science Institute have reportedly been researching 200 years of data analysis on what is known as "orbit cleansing" for a planet. In their research, they found a single study in 1802 that used the same definition, which was later refuted.

"They have not bothered to explain what they mean by cleaning the orbit, and taking it literally, that's true.

Metzger's problem with labeling is not that he thinks that Pluto has earned his planetary status. This is because of the opinion of scientists that the definition of what does or does not make a planet should not be voted.

In other words, democratic norms do not apply to the solar system.

"When we published this document, the public interest was incredible, everyone said," Yes, save Pluto! We want our Pluto to be back! "Said Metzger.

Metzger's peer-reviewed work published in the scientific journal Icarus.

IAU stated that it was open to continuing the debate on Pluto.

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