Pluto: not a planet, not up for religious debate

[spacefem]

Finally got around to watching “the Pluto files” on Netflix, about planetary classification and recent controversies, and I think it does a good job telling the whole story and talking to people with differing opinions. But honestly I’m still bothered that most of America really wants to dig in and live in a “solar system with NINE PLANETS”

Comments

Was there a poll?

[ext_1524342]

Was there a poll showing that most Americans refuse to believe Pluto is not a planet? A minor Google search didn't turn it up.

Re: Was there a poll?

[spacefem]

Just from my conversations, I think a lot of Americans insist that pluto is a planet. Plus in the documentary they interview all kinds of people who were really offended by the decision, even entire states that passed legislative resolutions declaring that pluto would be a planet. There's probably a poll someplace, but I think it's pretty clear we have a public denial issue:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=76&GA=96&DocTypeId=SR&DocNum=46&GAID=10

Re: Was there a poll?

[ext_1524342]

I don't know, that seems like pretty thin evidence to say "most of America really wants to dig in and live in a 'solar system with NINE PLANETS' forever." Documentary-makers tend to cherry-pick the "man-in-the-street" interviews to support the thesis of their film, and individual personal interactions aren't a true slice of America. Also, politicians will pass all sorts of resolutions just to get face-time on the media and pad their resumes with inoffensive legislation.

My unsupported view is that most of Americans (and everyone else) when told "Pluto is not a planet!" will respond with "Whatever." The taxonomy of solar objects just isn't a hot-button issue for 99.99999% of us.

Re: Was there a poll?

[astrogeek01]

I deal with the public frequently enough in the capacity of astronomer who knows stuff, and it always comes up. Someday, I imagine it won't anymore, but I will be old by then. It may not be something people will picket over (any more; there were a lot of petitions at the time), but I hear a lot of fond "pluto will always be a planet to me..." statements.

[astrogeek01]

HAHAHA! I *love* your analogy! I am so using it from now on, if that's ok with you.

To be honest the young kids growing up don't have any problem with it (a lot of teachers used it as a great teaching point!). Even my intro astro students year after year have less problem with it. It's only the old geezers my age who have problems.

[spacefem]

oh that's good! one of the things that first got me worried about this was buying toys for my toddler with the solar system... they've all got nine planets, even the hobby store "science fair" kits and stuff, and I mean it's been like six years. If you google "solar system toys" it's kinda weird how nobody's updated. But I guess teachers just deal with that and move on.