Definition of a planet

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Originally Posted by FlyingJesus

Don't suppose anyone knows why the orbits of some planets don't feature the Sun in the absolute centre? Seems strange that the point of high gravity that causes the planets to go round and round and round and round and round doesn't cause them to go round and round and round and round and round at the same distance from it at all times.

Also, is it possible for Pluto and Neptune to collide? I'm sure the odds of it happening are pretty slim but it must be a chance if their orbits intercept each other.

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Yes, it is possible, but is said to not happen for another thousands of years. And they arent sure what would happen, because neptune is a gas planet. (a planet thats basically gas, like a cloud). So they arent sure if pluto would just pass right through, or if it would mess up the shape or what.

Neptune would probably just dissolve Pluto or something.. that would be quite a laugh.

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Originally Posted by FlyingJesus

Also, is it possible for Pluto and Neptune to collide? I'm sure the odds of it happening are pretty slim but it must be a chance if their orbits intercept each other.

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Haha, that would be interesting to see. But anyway, all this planet stuff gives me a headache. I say just leave the solar system as it is, 9 planets. And forget about the other stuff they found, like Xena or whatever. :) Kidding.

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Originally Posted by Herman

Haha, that would be interesting to see. But anyway, all this planet stuff gives me a headache. I say just leave the solar system as it is, 9 planets. And forget about the other stuff they found, like Xena or whatever. :) Kidding.

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Imo, there will stil always be 9 planets. None of this "dwarf planet" stuff.

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Originally Posted by Victimized

What happens if we get a question about this in GCSE's?


Coz i doubt they'll have time to update everything we know about the solar system in like 9 months.

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thats's what i was thinking, i mean my science exam is next may.. are we seriously meant to learn this whole new complicated definition in that time? cus i know i won't remember it, rofl.

I've never had a science question to do with the planets, ever. And I've finished school.

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Originally Posted by FlyingJesus

I've never had a science question to do with the planets, ever. And I've finished school.

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i had a few in my uh year 9 SATs. i think. or it could have been year 6.

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Originally Posted by RedStratocas

Yes, it is possible, but is said to not happen for another thousands of years. And they arent sure what would happen, because neptune is a gas planet. (a planet thats basically gas, like a cloud). So they arent sure if pluto would just pass right through, or if it would mess up the shape or what.

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actualy chances are very unlikly they ever will, becuse of there orbit timeing they never come even remotly close to each other, earth is closer to the sun that pluto ever comes to neptune