New planet definition brings clarity - experts demand update

New planet definition brings clarity - experts demand update

New proposal for the definition of planets - scientists are calling for clarity

The view of the starry sky has always fascinated people. But what exactly makes a planet? This question currently has a group of researchers who want to rethink the definition of planets.

focus on mass as a decisive criterion

A team of scientists has presented a new proposal for the definition of a planet. The mass of a celestial body should serve as a decisive criterion. The group is based on the easiest measurable size - the mass. This should avoid discussions whether an object fulfills the criteria for a planet or not.

The upper limit for the mass of a planet is set to less than 13 Jupiter masses. From this mass, the Thermonuklear Fusion begins in a celestial body - it becomes a substance, also known as the "brown dwarf", and is no longer considered a planet. This guideline is intended to create a clear demarcation.

new criteria for the planetary definition

A look at the proposed criteria for the new planetary definition shows that a planet:

• … one or more stars, brown dwarfs or remains of stars circled
• ... has a mass of more than 10 high 23 kilograms (corresponds to a 1 with 23 zeros - a hundred trillions kilograms)
• ... has a mass of less than 13 Jupiter masses (2.5 x 10 high 28 kilograms - corresponds to 25 quadrillion kilograms)

These clear criteria should not only ensure a uniform understanding, but also make the discussion about the definition of planets easier. A significant innovation is the application of the mass as the main feature for the classification of a celestial body as a planet.

pluto remains dwarf planet

Despite the suggestions of the research team, nothing would change in the classification of the planets in our solar system. According to the new criteria, all from Mercury to Neptune would continue to be recognized as planets.

An exception remains: Pluto would remain a dwarf planet even after the new definition. It is not its size, but its mass of 1.31 x 10^22 kilograms is too low to be classified as a full planet.

The research team emphasizes that this new definition is to clarify and advance the discussion about planets in our universe. The presentation of the proposal is expected at the upcoming general assembly of the International Astronomical Union in August 2024.

- Nag