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Planets Without Stars or Mini-Solar Systems?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the ronin-played-by-planet-di-niro dept.

iamlucky13 writes "An article today on space.com discusses the discovery of 6 objects by the European Southern Observatory in Chile that are smaller than typical brown dwarfs, larger than Jupiter, and not orbiting any stars. The objects are surrounded by disks of gas and dust possibly similar to the early solar system. In addition to presenting astronomers with a new group of objects to study, the finding also deepens the debate over what makes a planet. The scientists responsible for the discovery sidestep the question by calling them 'Planetary Mass Objects,' or planemos."

5 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Solar system by commander_gallium · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Wouldn't the correct term be "star system" or "stellar system"?

    Solar system refers to the Sun and its planets.

  2. the finding also deepens the debate over what make by exp(pi*sqrt(163)) · · Score: 4, Insightful
    the finding also deepens the debate over what makes a planet
    That must be 'deepens' as in the question of how many angels you can fit on a pinhead is deepened by the suggestion that maybe some angels are overweight.

    There is nothing deep about what to call by the name 'planet'. Once there was a clear delineation between planets and non-planets. Now there isn't because we've seen objects that straddle the divide set by the old definition. Just define some new words. If astronomers can solve the solar neutrino problem then surely they can solve the 'define planet' problem. Reminds me of Wadler's Law.

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  3. Re:the finding also deepens the debate over what m by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    "If astronomers can solve the solar neutrino problem then surely they can solve the 'define planet' problem."

    Well, we could announce some proclamation from the balcony of the IAU's Mobile Oppression Palace, but since it's such a complete astronomical non-issue (what something's called makes no difference to how you study it) don't you think it's nice to let the people who care enough to debate it decide?

    So, over to you!

  4. Hmmm... by Liam+Slider · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Maybe the scientists should simply call them what they're already called....rogue planets.

  5. Re:Dark Matter by edittard · · Score: 0, Insightful
    lots of planets between here and nearby stars. That would make interstellar travel considerably easier because humanity could move outwards very gradually.
    Humanity better remember to take thermal underwear, then. Maybe an extra sweater too.
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