Sympathy to Pluto

The votes have been cast. It's now official. Pluto, our dearly beloved and most favourite object in the Solar System is no longer a planet.

Just this week, the International Astronomical Union met in the Czech Republic to discuss various issues surrounding the proper definition of a planet. I'm sure they didn't really mean to pick on Pluto. Some people, in fact, thought that the astronomers would end up admitting three new celestial bodies to the Solar System. However, by the end of the meeting it was clear that they had gone to the opposite extreme, giving Pluto the diminutive title of "dwarf planet".

Since its discovery in 1930, Pluto has been held in fascination. Not only was it the smallest planet, but it was also the farthest away from the sun (whenever Neptune wasn't occupying that position). So why, after 76 years, have they decided that Pluto isn't a planet? Basically the fault lies in its orbit. It overlaps with that of Neptune, so according to the brand-new definition, Pluto is not a planet.

This raises a serious question, however. Were we mistaken all these years when we thought Pluto was a planet? Has it been a "dwarf planet" all along, and we just didn't know it? I would like to submit to you that this case only shows more clearly the fallibility and imperfection of human science and reasoning. Can we truly vote to assign more precise meanings to the words of our languages?

Language, in its transfer of meaning, is naturally imperfect. Just because I say something doesn't mean you're going to "get it", or receive the same thought that I meant to convey. Likewise, the semantics of the words we use belong to each individual. My point is this: language is a part of each and every human being on this earth, and each of us has a choice of what meaning we give our words. If someone had said something to you about Pluto a few months ago, what would have come to mind? The smallest planet, of course. And what if someone mentions it today? That's up to you. This is the same principle as when they officially changed the name of the Texas Rangers' stadium from "The Ballpark in Arlington" to "Ameriquest Field". But unfortunately for the mortgage company, I'm not official, I will always continue to call it the Ballpark. And to all ye astronomers, let it be known that I, as a free-thinking human being, will always refer to Pluto as a planet, though the whole world may say otherwise.

To return to the main subject, it is clear that most people have already decided to go along with the new decision and call Pluto a "dwarf planet". What I have to say is this: you don't have to! If you would like to join me in calling Pluto the smallest planet for as long as this Universe remains, please do. Thankfully there are other folks out there who share my view on this matter, but as with all other issues, there is also an opposite side present. Go Pluto!