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Mass of Dwarf Planet Eris 27% Greater than Pluto

Posted by Zonk on from the she-wants-a-bite-of-the-apple dept.

jcgam69 writes "When it was discovered in 2005, some thought Eris should be considered the 10th planet of our solar system. Everyone still considered Pluto a planet then. At first, Eris was thought to be slightly larger. Now — with the help of Eris' moon — Eris is known to be 27% more massive than Pluto. If Pluto had remained a planet to the entire community of astronomers, surely Eris would be considered the 10th planet."

4 of 220 comments (clear)

  1. New Nmemonic by DTC · · Score: 5, Funny

    My Very Excellent Mother Just Serverd Us Nine Pizzas- Excelsior!

  2. Hail Eris! by subl33t · · Score: 5, Funny

    All Hail Discordia!

    Hail yes!

    fnord.

  3. Re:So let 'em both in by ushering05401 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The funniest thing to me is that we are so fixated on the planet/not-a-planet debate. Let em both in, don't let either in...

    Both bodies will continue to be studied, and when the time comes, they will be exploited for their natural resources.

    This debate will only matter fifty years from now when we actually begin mining other planets and mining related laws discriminate between bodies with different scientific designations.

    Regards.

  4. Re:If it's round by Paradise+Pete · · Score: 5, Funny
    Can you point me at a round asteroid in the belt?

    OK, look up. A little more to your left. A bit more. OK, just a little bit more. Nope, that's too far. Just a hair back to your right. There! See it?