A new definition of a Planet has been created and will be expanding our Solar System to atleast 12 planets once we all get used to it.

The new definition reads:

A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet.

Scientific American talks about the new planets and hints that there could and probably will be others:

By these criteria, the sun has 12 planets: the nine conventional ones plus Charon, Xena, and the largest asteroid, Ceres (which has been there before — it was regarded as a planet for a half-century after its discovery). More may soon join them. Astronomers could find that other asteroids such as Vesta have a round shape, and new discoveries of Xena-like bodies are almost guaranteed.

What do you think? Could you remember the 12 planets of the Solar System any time soon?

AI Calculated Related Posts

1. Five concept watch designs that make you calculate the time
2. So you want your own model train set…
3. Free energy with the solar plant
4. State of the Multiverse 15
5. You too can make the world’s geekiest breakfast

Hope you like that post!

Forever Geek is a resource for all things geek. You can stay tuned by having the latest FG news delivered to you for free via RSS.