By
Abby Walker
February 21, 2007
Think back to the days of playing tag on the playground and comparing flavors of Capri Sun at lunch. Remember those elementary school lessons on the solar system and creating off-scale mobiles and models of the planets, where Pluto was often only half the size of Earth?
That project became slightly easier on Aug. 24, 2006, when the International Astronomical Union declared Pluto a dwarf planet and shrunk the number of planets in our solar system down to eight.
That same day, Steven Klimczak, a Texas high school senior, created "When I Was Your Age, Pluto Was a Planet." He had been looking for an idea that would spawn a popular group but couldn't think of a good enough idea.
"One day in class someone told me that Pluto was no longer a planet," Klimczak said. "I have always been interested in space and the planets and I thought that this would be good idea for a group."
However, it was more than a good idea. The group rapidly grew to become the second-largest group in Facebook history. Within three weeks, 50,000 people had joined. Two weeks later, there were 500,000 members. Currently, more than 752,000 people are in the group.
Klimczak's group now fluctuates between the third and fourth largest Facebook group; it competes with "good cause" groups, such as those supporting breast cancer research. He was surprised at the rapid growth of the group but understands how it happened.
"When I first made it and saw that people thought it was cute or funny, I asked them to invite their friends," he said. "When you do the math and each one of those people is adding 200 friends, it adds up quickly."
UW senior Colin Thomas joined the group the same week that the Pluto announcement was made. He noticed in the news feed that several of his friends had joined.
"I remembered being taught my whole life that there were nine planets in the solar system," said Thomas, who is pleased at the number of Pluto supporters. "The way the whole Pluto issue was handled just didn't feel right considering other astronomical issues of the day, such as the possible addition of Sedna to the list of planets."
Klimczak found that as the group grew larger, it began to pop up under the related group category on other group pages, which created free advertising.
"Normally this type of advertising costs people thousands of dollars," Klimczak said. "The chance is that my group was advertised in that space 20 million times."
The group has drawn attention even outside of the Facebook world. Klimczak has been interviewed by NASA, which sought his opinion on the Pluto situation, as well as being a contributor to two Facebook articles by the New York Times. Also, the group has been referenced in hundreds of Internet articles.
He seized the opportunity to turn the popularity of the group into a business venture and began selling T-shirts in December through a friend's Web page. He is happy with its progress and hopes to introduce new designs soon.
Although the group has grown beyond the imaginable, it was all started by a simple, nostalgic idea to recognize a generation that grew up with nine planets.
Klimczak summarized: "Any kid that learned that Pluto was a planet can look at a sibling or elementary school child and tell them that, 'when I was your age, Pluto was a planet.'"
Reach reporter Abby Walker at features@thedaily.washington.edu.
278 Comments
#101 Austin
on October 7, 2007 at 8:33 p.m.(Bartlett, IL | Unverified Name)
I joined this group not that long ago. I am not even that old really but i was still taught that pluto was the ninth planet. I miss it being the ninth planet. Pluto we salute you.
#102 Liza
on October 8, 2007 at 11:21 a.m.(Louisville, KY | Unverified Name)
I like pluto, I am a member of this group. So what if to you it is a trifle group. Does that really matter? Sure I am a member of other causes, once that effect humans a little more then pluto, but I don't find it fair for people to critisize it. Also and a comment for those saying we do run the universe. Sorry to tell you, no we don't. We need everything in our enviornment and ecosystems to survive. But I do not believe the human race is supperer in any manner, I think we can be just as stupid as any other being living on earth. But we also can be smart, along with anyother living being on earth(including animals, which we are too)
#103 Kristi
on October 8, 2007 at 12:21 p.m.(Cleveland, OH | Unverified Name)
I still consider Pluto as a planet...to me there will always be 9 planets.
<3 Pluto!
#104 Jun
on October 9, 2007 at 12:24 a.m.(Piscataway, NJ | Unverified Name)
why the heck is everybody arguing about pluto for?
Those that think it's a planet, good for you (I personally think it should be considered a planet too).
Those that think it's no big deal losing a planet, think what you want. But seriously, we should stop arguing on whether it's a planet or not... unless you're seriously that bored... If you are, carry on.
#105 fred
on October 9, 2007 at 7:32 p.m.(Chapel Hill, NC | Unverified Name)
Ok all you people saying its terrible that they'll have to change the textbooks: what do you think, they make one textbook every fifty years? Umm they have new editions every year anyways. And the people who are saying we have no right to say what is and isn't a planet: who do you think even came up with concept of a planet in the first place? Being a planet is a privilege not a right
#106 PineappleXVI
on October 11, 2007 at 11 a.m.(Toledo, OH | Unverified Name)
Pluto was one of my favorite planets. I love that sometimes, it's closer to our sun than Neptune. Pluto is eccentric, so am I. I love that the Facebook group exists. Its title is funny, and is honoring the rock we call Pluto. What would happen if we decided that the platypus is not a mammal ? It has a bill & lays eggs, what's up with that ? It's name starts with PL and has a T & U. It's just like Pluto
#107 Sadie
on October 13, 2007 at 12:04 a.m.(Vancouver, Canada | Unverified Name)
well a lot of astrology also requires you to know where the planets were when you were born... does pluto still count in there? i did always like pluto best
#108 IEZZI-BCI mafia G-tank
on October 13, 2007 at 10:25 a.m.(Waterloo, Canada | Unverified Name)
didnt they find another planet called planet X or somehtinglike jees that means there still is 9 planets
#109 Madison
on October 13, 2007 at 7:53 p.m.(White Lake, MI | Unverified Name)
"Eric - 5/20/07
Okay, this is for you people who are jumping that Nathan guy's shit for talking about us arbitrarily reclassifying Pluto. What he's saying is that the solar system's gonna be what it is regardless of how we classify it, and whether you're for or against the reclassification, it's just a futile way for humans to feel like they can grasp the world around them. Pluto is still Pluto. He's saying it's funny that we decided to just say it's not a planet as though that changes something, even though it changes nothing. Like I said, Pluto is still Pluto, and whether we call it a planet now or not, it's still the same as it was when it was discovered 80 years ago or whatever and called a planet."
Worrrd, I think the same thing.
#110 Madison
on October 13, 2007 at 7:53 p.m.(White Lake, MI | Unverified Name)
"Eric - 5/20/07
Okay, this is for you people who are jumping that Nathan guy's shit for talking about us arbitrarily reclassifying Pluto. What he's saying is that the solar system's gonna be what it is regardless of how we classify it, and whether you're for or against the reclassification, it's just a futile way for humans to feel like they can grasp the world around them. Pluto is still Pluto. He's saying it's funny that we decided to just say it's not a planet as though that changes something, even though it changes nothing. Like I said, Pluto is still Pluto, and whether we call it a planet now or not, it's still the same as it was when it was discovered 80 years ago or whatever and called a planet."
Worrrd, I think the same thing.
#111 Kirsty~
on October 14, 2007 at 10:56 a.m.(Vancouver, Canada | Unverified Name)
Now we can't use the mnemonic "My Very Eagar Monkey, Jupiter Sits Under Neptune's Plants." Where is my monkey suposed to sit huh?! P.S. pluto was also always my favorite planet.
#112 Ruthie
on October 14, 2007 at 4:12 p.m.(New York, NY | Unverified Name)
I love how everyone's giving their different acronyms for the nine planets...I've heard at least ten different ones in my short lifetime, but the one I always stuck by is "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Juicy Pickles."
I'm part of this group, it was one of the first ones I joined when I got my Facebook, and I just think that if people want to commemorate Pluto, let them. Just because they're part of a Facebook group about it doesn't mean they're not involved in more "important" things as well.
And for all the peole that are saying "I agree with Jenna and I support mass genocide," think about what you're typing...then you'll know why I'm laughing at you....
#113 Ruthie
on October 14, 2007 at 4:16 p.m.(New York, NY | Unverified Name)
(of course, I just realized that "Juicy" shouldn't be there...I learned it when I was five and always moved Jupiter around...I guess it's stuck with me.)
#114 Vic
on October 15, 2007 at 8:08 a.m.(Newport, AR | Unverified Name)
Until everyone that knows that Pluto "was" a planet dies, Pluto will always remain a planet. We have the instilled knowledge that Pluto is a planet. I'm sure there are people out there that doesnt even know about the reclassification of Pluto. Therefore, Pluto IS still a planet. Regardless of what "the powers that be" classify Pluto as, Pluto will remain a planet until we are gone. Sure the younger generations wont have that same knowlege; but, times change....But, it doesnt REALLY affect our lives. I mean sure once i heard the news i locked my doors and cried for hours upon end; but, i'm better now and have moved on the more important things like supporting mass jennacide..oh..i mean genocide. lol
Jenna...take a valium
Nick....lay off of the LSD
Jesus...rock on
#115 Eloina
on October 15, 2007 at 9:19 p.m.(Houston, TX | Unverified Name)
Of course is a nice cause, Pluto in my generation all I knew was Pluto is a planet, I did not know that it is not a planet until I read this cause. Is interesting, is nostalgia, and is history.
#116 George
on October 18, 2007 at 12:44 a.m.(Basildon, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Although I understand that Pluto has been declassified it is still there whatever its status.
It was an important part in the liberation of Europe during WW11, look it up!
#117 kellee
on October 18, 2007 at 1:52 p.m.(Greeley, CO | Unverified Name)
you guys are all retarded. get a life instead of arguing about pluto.
#118 seth
on October 20, 2007 at 7:24 a.m.(Ellicott City, MD | Unverified Name)
kellee just be quiet pluto's cool,it's ok to argue wether it's a planet in russia or not...me personally i think it is still a planet,no matter wat any1 says,in my heart pluto is alwayz a planet.
#119 tori shadid
on October 21, 2007 at 5:28 p.m.(Kansas City, MO | Unverified Name)
i think that i will most likely never get used to the fact that pluto isn't a planet. i think we should have jsut left it liek it is we can't have sedna as a planet pluto i mena everyone loes that name!!! its the name of a multiple dogs its the name of a cartoon character now all the kids will be like neptune...sedna then ill be able to say you young whipersnappers!! in my day we had nine planets not 8 planets sedna and the dwarf rock pluto!! i was really looking forward ot when nasa got close to pluto THEN!! we would have been to every planet and sen it up lclose but apparently we did that a long time ago wiht neptune!!!!
#120 Amanda S.
on October 25, 2007 at 10:44 a.m.(Jackson, MS | Unverified Name)
Ok, a bunch of these comments are waaay too serious. Geez, lighten up people!
I love Pluto as much as the next person, but we just have to accept that it isn't a full-sized "normal" planet anymore. However, it is still a type of planet. It's a dwarf planet, so I guess that makes it not as bad as just saying that it's not a part of the solar system anymore. I mean, we have to remember that just because something is not one of the now 8 planets doesn't mean that it isn't still in the solar system. The solar system is way more than just the planets. There's several dwarf planets out past Pluto, some even BIGGER that Pluto, so I don't know what everyone is getting so worked up about.
I mean, I was somewhat sad, bewildered, and questioning when I first heard that they had "demoted" Pluto, but this is science. It's ever changing! If it wasn't, then we'd all still be learning that the Earth is the center of the universe or that your blood pumps from the top of your head, down, and back.
You can still consider Pluto a "normal" planet to yourself for nostalgic reasons (I do), but the IAU has deemed it a dwarf planet, so that's what it is. It does kind of suck because that's what we grew up learning, and now we have to change it, but it's only a minor change if you think about it. They didn't kick it out of the solar system or anything, so don't worry.
I remember when I heard about it though. Weird day. lol. I was in my Astronomy class at college. We had started going in depth about the structure, composition, and behavior of the different planets, and we were actually about to do Pluto like the next day or so. I was listening to NPR on the way home, and they were talking about how the IAU was considering whether or not to add a 10th planet to the solar system and other stuff like that. I thought that was cool and interesting, but I was kind of hoping they wouldn't... I DO like having 9 planets. The next day, my professor came in and the first thing he said was, "Pluto has been demoted to a "dwarf planet." You can just cross out everything we've said about it if you want." I was like, "Huh?" I was a little sad and nostalgic, but life does actually go on. I still like to think that Pluto is a planet, and I'm a member of the group, but scientifically speaking... Pluto is a dwarf planet. It sucks, but that's the way it is.
Also, overly pious people need to stop harassing us, Geez! Just because we join a light-hearted group like this doesn't mean that we have no serious cares or causes in our lives. I support breast cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's research, I am involved in Habitat for Humanity, I've worked with Toys for Tots, but come on! We need a little fun in our lives! Besides, I still love Pluto like a planet. lol.
Oh, and the Greek and Roman gods were not named for the planets... the planets were named for the Greek and Roman gods. I don't know who made that comment... it's waaaay up there on the list, but they were sadly misinformed.
#121 Uhnonohmus
on October 28, 2007 at 5:29 p.m.(Coatesville, PA | Unverified Name)
I dont understand why people always have to bring up the fact that there are people who are dying of cancer and in dar fur. This was a group that was meant to be "thats a good idea" not "WHO CARES!?!?! THERE ARE PEOPLE DYING"
#122 Hmp
on October 29, 2007 at 12:40 p.m.(Pennsburg, PA | Unverified Name)
All i know is that this just proves that humans have a way of changing facts. Next thing you know, Pluto was NEVER a planet. I know many people are taking this way to seriously but all i know is telling me that Pluto is not a planet is like telling me 2+2=5. Things just don't add up, there are nine planets in the solar system. Its disappointing that my sister isnt even going to learn about it. I still remember my 6th grade science fair project on the nine planets. -sigh- good times, good times.
#123 CR
on October 30, 2007 at 8:21 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Vi veri veniversum vivus vici.----Faust
"By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe."
----------------------------------------------For Our Pluto
#124 Candace
on October 31, 2007 at 8:18 p.m.(Harrisonburg, VA | Unverified Name)
Jeez what is SO WRONG with trying to just remember the good ol' days! It's like "when I was your age, I listened to the spice girls" kind of stuff,
there's nothing wrong with reminiscing people!
oh pluto, the fun science project times that we had!
#125 Bogey
on November 1, 2007 at 5:56 p.m.(Meriden, CT | Unverified Name)
R.I.P. Pluto
Alas, what short a life thou had, if it were only so easy as to call short people dwarfs, in which there is no sympathy for such a name...
#126 Pamela
on November 8, 2007 at 5:57 p.m.(Brisbane, Australia | Unverified Name)
I luv Pluto, it's one of those moments where I'll always remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard it was no longer a planet! Having been to and worked in countries where there are plagues and disease, and having had cancer myself, my message to anyone critical of this group is to get a life, as I do have one and after my experiences no one is qualified to judge what is important to another human being. Long live Pluto! :)
#127 PLUTO
on November 11, 2007 at 12:28 a.m.(Clinton, IA | Unverified Name)
i am still a planet fyi.
#128 alien_freeks
on November 13, 2007 at 9:19 a.m.(Westhoughton, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
But isnt earth a daawrf compared to the likes of Jupiter...? so why all of a sudden change it because its smaller than the rest of the planets??
#129 Kev
on November 13, 2007 at 3:05 p.m.(Perth, Australia | Unverified Name)
They may as well have left Pluto as a planet. It didn't do any harm to anybody, it's not like humans would ever get there and be like 'hey, this ain't a planet!'. People were happy knowing it was a planet. Also, how many non-planets do you know that have a moon?
#130 Kev
on November 13, 2007 at 7:19 p.m.(Perth, Australia | Unverified Name)
Ooh I've just found something. The Australian mining department use planet names for areas in each mining pit, and they've used Pluto. So it will affect them!
#131 gus
on November 15, 2007 at 1:31 a.m.(Houghton, MI | Unverified Name)
i like turtles.
#132 gus
on November 15, 2007 at 1:31 a.m.(Houghton, MI | Unverified Name)
i like turtles.
#133 john
on November 15, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.(Mankato, MN | Unverified Name)
t is for turtle.
#134 hizniz
on November 16, 2007 at 8:27 p.m.(Leominster, MA | Unverified Name)
I've been in this group for a while now, and it was actually really sad for me when i found out pluto was in fact, not considered a planet. it had always been my favorite. i remember that little rhyme i learned from Blues Clues, when steve was still on it (i miss him- and childhood), and ended it with, "neptune's really windy...and pluto's really small" and thats how i always remembered the NINE planets. in my mind, there are STILL nine planets. I <3 YOU PLUTO!
#135 Matt
on November 17, 2007 at 6:35 p.m.(Acworth, GA | Unverified Name)
Pluto, you will be missed every day. I really don't look forward to the creation of a new mnemonic device for this... My very educated mother just served us.... nachos? What?
#136 Emmett
on November 17, 2007 at 11:17 p.m.(Kansas City, MO | Unverified Name)
I really don't see why they don't call Pluto a planet anymore. Last time i checked Pluto had a moon and so does earth and the other 8 planets. So doesn't that make Pluto a planet? I'm just really confused and upset that they could just take Pluto off the map like that
#137 jalpari
on November 19, 2007 at 3:55 p.m.(Rickmansworth, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
i knew tht pluto wasnt our planet as i read all the news about it...but still in the back of my mind..i still consider pluto as our 9th planet in our solar system...if someone asks me how many planets we hav in solar system ...my answer wud b 9...and will count pluto as 9th ....it just comes out without thinking..n before i can think tht pluto is no longer in our solar system..my tongue speaks it!! For me....pluto will be always 9th planet whether ppl accept it or not!
#138 Boerzy
on November 21, 2007 at 8:33 p.m.(Gobles, MI | Unverified Name)
ok i know that some ppl thing that pluto was sweet i mean it was ok but who really gives a damn about a planet its not even a living thing and not even a planet its a dwarf planet so the sooner u accept fact the better
#139 Becky
on November 23, 2007 at 8:58 p.m.(Saint Louis, MO | Unverified Name)
Hey, Im in the Facebook group just for the fun of it, but it's true. Im scarred for life. Everytime a child or anyone else asks me how many planets there are i will always reply that there are 9 and in doing so look like an idiot. not that i really care, but . . .
In reply to Boerzy:
Your house isnt a living thing and neither is your computer or bank account for that matter. But you still care about it. I know that you dont own Pluto and it doesnt affect you so its not the same, but it's always a good thing to be aware about the world and the universe. Not a good thing to be ignorant no matter how little the detail.
#140 Scott
on November 27, 2007 at 3:02 p.m.(Birmingham, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Why is there a big argument about a group on facebook? Ya kno there are a lot of pointless groups do ya complain about each and every one seperately. If ya think it's daft so what. Get over it and move on instead of complainin about something that shouldn't affect you in the slightest!
#141 Kamal Saba
on November 27, 2007 at 9:04 p.m.(Nashville, TN | Unverified Name)
Pluto was my favorite planet! How can a group of scientist just out of blue come out and say it's not a planet. For decades and decades it has been named the ninth Planet, and now they just decide to throw it away?! NO! Thats absolutely absurd. There must a petition to bring back Pluto, and if one hasn't started i'm gonna make sure we get it back in the science books!
#142 Sean
on December 3, 2007 at 1:02 p.m.(Port Saint Lucie, FL | Unverified Name)
Are you guys saying there is something wrong with being a dwarf.... planet!
Dwarves are people... i mean planets too!
#143 Travis Hayes
on December 5, 2007 at 9:46 p.m.(Atlanta, GA | Unverified Name)
Everytime I hear the name Pluto, I immediately think the 9th planet. I also think of "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" (not sure on Earth right now, memories kind fuzzy). Ever since Pluto was made a "dwarf planet" it's been wrecked. Also, don't you think "small planet" would've done better?
#144 Janet
on December 6, 2007 at 10:05 a.m.(Central District, Hong Kong | Unverified Name)
This is funny and a pathetic way in approaching science. Science is supposed to be based on factual evidence, and categorizing things into groups as they did for plants and animals. If it is a "dwarf" planet, how different is that to being classified as a "giant" planet like Jupiter? Discriminating planets by their size? "Dwarf" planet, give me a break.
#145 Dalia Osama
on December 8, 2007 at 1:13 p.m.(None, Egypt | Unverified Name)
So couple of months ago i heard that pluto isnt the 9th planet anymore but i didnt care i thought it was just a rumor..but today i joined this group on facebook and i found out it was for real that pluto isnt a planet anymore!! i know its pethetic to be sad(according to some people) but i am because i dont even know why it isnt a planet anymore!! why did the scientist out of the blue decided to make it 8 planets instead of 9?? scientist..GET A HOBBY
#146 Sammi
on December 12, 2007 at 7:51 a.m.(Chicago, IL | Unverified Name)
Dalia,
to answer your question in a basic way, it's not so much that pluto was demoted from planethood, but that the definition of what a planet is, was made more specific. You see, there are some basic elements that every planet in our solar system has, all the planets except pluto, despite their differences, are all essentially similar in the important ways. Now, pluto has some of these qualities, however it lacks some and has some other qualities that none of the other planets have. And what was happening with the old definition is that scientists were actually stretching it out for the sole purpose of including it as a planet. And as it's been in many cases (like Einstein's theory of the curvature of space-time that no one wanted to believe and is now found to be true)scientists saw an inconsistency and were forced to redefine something. It serisously happens a lot, relatively.
#147 Jack
on December 20, 2007 at 12:55 p.m.(Dallas, TX | Unverified Name)
I thought Pluto is a dog, i never thought they could become planets!
#148 Sammy
on December 21, 2007 at 2:26 p.m.(Oil City, PA | Unverified Name)
I just have a few points to make:
1. Jenna-- There are a lot of people in the world who are interested in astronomy. Just because you aren't does not mean that it is a meaningless topic. Furthermore, you can join a facebook group about Pluto AND about eliminating genocide or any other cause. Just because you support one doesn't mean that you can't support another.
2. I don't know about anyone else in this group, but I'm not an astronomer and I know very little about the universe. I highly doubt all of the people in this discussion have a solid, deep understanding of our solar system--rather, we have a very limited knowledge base with which to work from (ie. the acronym about the pizzas makes up a lot of people's total knowledge of the solar system.) So until we spend a lot of time researching good sources about the properties by which we classify planets and objects found in space, let's back off of the notion that the scientists had little or no reason to change Pluto's classification to dwarf planet status. Until I join NASA, I will leave the classifying up to the experts.
3. I am going out on a limb here, but my guess is that scientists didn't classify Pluto as a planet until the 1930's because they did not have the technology to see that far into space. Then, in the 30's, I bet that they felt they had enough evidence of Pluto's physical properties to classify it as a planet. Then, as technology improved they had to change their classification when they noticed that Pluto did not display the characteristics necessary to be considered a planet. If we were never willing to change our beleifs on a subject even after seeing proof that the other way works, we would have missed out on many great discoveries like the telescope, airplanes, and probably even the internet.
Arguing like this is not a bad thing, it generates ideas and promotes knowledge-- a good thing. Just be respectful--there is nothing wrong with joining a facebook group that doesn't promote some humanitarian cause, although that is a great thing too.
#149 Owain
on December 23, 2007 at 4:36 p.m.(None, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Why is this so important? I see it not so much as everyone defending pluto because they have an affinity with it, but being pissed off at some organisation taking it upon themselves to change history (or at least the texts). Does it revolve around the sun? Of course, but so do "Eres" and "Ceres". Why can't we celebrate the new found wonders of science, rather than delight in ruling out others because tradition dictates one thing, and rational thinking dictates another?
#150 Damian LuxLucis
on December 24, 2007 at 4 p.m.(Woodridge, IL | Unverified Name)
Alright guys... people have already done this but:
1. Just because people are in that group and take issue with it doesn't mean they don't find other issues in the world to be just as, if not more important. If the group was called "When I was Your Age, Pluto was a Planet...and stop genocide", it would probably have just as many, if not more supporters, but might not get as much popularity because those topics are completely unrelated and are weird to go together, so it might not spread as much
2. if you think the status wasn't really a demotion, good for you
3. yea it's not such a big deal that Pluto's been demoted/whatever, but it's just the concept that people are taking issue with, that astronomers can just decide willy-nilly what counts as a planet.
4. heehee i said "willy-nilly"
5. have you ever wanted to complain about, say, reality TV because it's so fake...or teenage love because it's so pointless...or rap music because it's so NOT MUSIC...or something trivial like that, that isn't the most important thing in the world but it still irked you?
You have? Well then that's what this group is.
You haven't? Well other people have so shove it and let people complain/care about what they want to.
#151 Damian LuxLucis
on December 24, 2007 at 4:04 p.m.(Woodridge, IL | Unverified Name)
Alright guys... people have already done this but:
1. Just because people are in that group and take issue with it doesn't mean they don't find other issues in the world to be just as, if not more important. If the group was called "When I was Your Age, Pluto was a Planet...and stop genocide", it would probably have just as many, if not more supporters, but might not get as much popularity because those topics are completely unrelated and are weird to go together, so it might not spread as much
2. if you think the status wasn't really a demotion, good for you
3. yea it's not such a big deal that Pluto's been demoted/whatever, but it's just the concept that people are taking issue with, that astronomers can just decide willy-nilly what counts as a planet.
4. heehee i said "willy-nilly"
5. have you ever wanted to complain about, say, reality TV because it's so fake...or teenage love because it's so pointless...or rap music because it's so NOT MUSIC...or something trivial like that, that isn't the most important thing in the world but it still irked you?
You have? Well then that's what this group is.
You haven't? Well other people have so shove it and let people complain/care about what they want to.
#152 Christopher
on December 28, 2007 at 8:59 a.m.(Christchurch, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Well spoken, Damian.
#153 Jim
on January 2, 2008 at 12:22 a.m.(Lynnwood, WA | Unverified Name)
My
Very
Educated
Mother
Just
Served
Us
Nine
...
Nine what? Aww...Now what do we do???
#154 Jim A.
on January 2, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.(Milwaukee, WI | Unverified Name)
That is a very good question. Nine what? How will kids remember the planets :0
#155 Celeste
on January 2, 2008 at 4:27 p.m.(Florence, SC | Unverified Name)
Hey guys. I just wanted to say that yes, I love Pluto, I think it should still be a planet, and yes, I agree that it's okay for people to join a group about something trivial that irks them a bit or that they think is cute. But guys, seriously, I think Jenna gets the point by now. I don't agree with her, but she's entitled to her opinion as well. Leave her alone. May Pluto rest in eace, and may your Very Educated Mother continue to serve you Nine somethings.
#156 paamilitary
on January 4, 2008 at 5:55 p.m.(Bronx, NY | Unverified Name)
oo well, who are to judge who is a planet or not?? who named the planets?who discovered them?? who gave criteria for a body to be called a planet?? hopefully after answering these questions, we ll be able to know if we can judge who is a planet or not...
its sad tho, having to let go of the information u ve known for a long time, but lets deal with it
#157 Basel
on January 10, 2008 at 1:58 a.m.(Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Unverified Name)
Pluto is still a planet fo us and will always be
#158 phht
on January 10, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.(Britton, SD | Unverified Name)
you guys are silly
#159 Lily
on January 10, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.(Littlerock, CA | Unverified Name)
I liked having Pluto as a planet and I'm glad for the Facebook group. After being unceremoniously set aside, the no-longer-planet deserves a little recognition.
#160 Miles
on January 13, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.(Houston, TX | Unverified Name)
ACTUALLY.
Just wanted to say, it doesn't really matter what astronomers say about it... If they wanna say it's not actually a planet or some other legal BS they can have fun with that, but it doesn't deny the fact that Pluto is a planet.
Not because it meets size standards and all that, because Pluto is gonna remain with us whether these guys want it to or not, just because someone tells us not to do something, doesn't mean we aren't going to do it, and the same goes here, if they stop teaching it, the planet will travel through word of mouth, it just will. This group has like over a mil members or what not, if they can't pass on the word to their kids that Pluto is a planet they'll hear about it elsewhere.
It's silly to believe that they can actually decide when something just doesn't exsist anymore, it's like saying If I can't see it, it's not there, that doesn't mean it actually isn't there.
Which brings along my closing, astrologers DO NOT have to redo their charts for this, again saying it's not there doesn't disprove the fact that it's there. I'm not here to argue astrology, people who don't believe in it are probably greatly misinformed, which is cool, no harm no foul. I don't look down on someone for not knowing how operate on someone's brain, why should anyone look down on something they just don't understand?
Oh, almost forgot. Yeah, their are other issues in the world, genocide, cancer, blah blah blah, people are working on it, just because we're upset about Pluto doesn't mean the world is going to drop EVERYTHING they're doing. It's silly to be upset at this group for standing up for what they believe in, it's what America as well as many other countries were founded on.
#161 Fredrick Johnson
on January 17, 2008 at 8:48 p.m.(Ridgewood, NJ | Unverified Name)
i wanna suck ur titties
#162 Anna
on January 20, 2008 at 8:06 p.m.(Rocky Hill, NJ | Unverified Name)
I've seen the group. the only reason i didn't join (i did think it was funny) was because when i was little i never thought pluto should be a planet, for the same reasons it isn't. now i feel kinda bad...
#163 Adam
on January 22, 2008 at 2:10 p.m.(None, None | Unverified Name)
You people r so sad. Stop complaint like little babies, its just a rock in the sky. I'm glad Pluto isnt a planet anymore, less things for little kids to memorize.
#164 Stella
on January 24, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.(Bloomingdale, IL | Unverified Name)
Oh Anna you're full of it - so you mean to say that as a little girl you just knew that Pluto was a dwarf planet instead of a planet? Ha. I think you're the funniest one on here.
#165 David Jenkins
on February 1, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.(Gilmer, TX | Unverified Name)
Ode to Pluto
In far distant times we sat
With pencil, tablet, and all that;
Our young minds open and clear,
Ready to conquer a new frontier.
Deep blue skies that stretched forever,
Home to sun, moon, stars, and whatever
Lurked in endless, boundless space,
Mysteries defying the commonplace.
There they were in wondrous glory,
Planets nine, singing their story
Of streaming comets, fiery asteroids
Crisscrossing paths in crazy trapezoids.
We named them all, they were ours!
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune—
Then “Pluto!” we sang in merry tune.
But alas! brave Pluto, tiniest of them all,
Who would have guessed such would befall
One so blithe, playful, and carefree—
Defrocked and defamed by a committee!
You can be sure, dear Pluto, that this demotion
Will result in a tumultuous commotion
Caused by those who’ll never agree
To let you become a maligned deportee.
David Jenkins
August 24, 2006
(I am a free-lance writer, and thought I might add my contribution to the demoted Pluto!)
#166 Dan
on February 4, 2008 at 2:52 p.m.(London, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Can everyone on this site please go and get a job or do something more constructive with your free time, ride a bike, read a book, think of ways to get a girlfriend any of those or other things you could think of would be great
#167 #167 Donald
on February 10, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.(Sacramento, CA | Unverified Name)
In terms of relative distance, how does Pluto figure in the Oorth cloud (the furthest distince of solar gravitational influence on its surrounding space. I have some photos of the Oorth cloud and the Kiepher Belt, none show Plutos nor Quarars (planet found some distance from Pluto, yet still within our solar system) distance relationship to the Oorth cloud.
#168 smurf
on February 11, 2008 at 9:35 p.m.(None, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
wow i never realised how heated ppl could get about pluto...its like science club all over again :D anyways...even if its now called a 'dwarf' planet...im a small person...its just sizeist
#169 Shaka Laka Poopin Shine
on February 13, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.(Kingston, Canada | Unverified Name)
Pluto is the best planet! Would they name a dog after it if it wasnt great? I dont think so
#170 Gibbo Biggay Largo Two
on February 15, 2008 at 6:08 p.m.(Jenison, MI | Unverified Name)
Haha! There is an AWESOME Pluto T-shirt at www.JGunnDesigns.com! Check it out!
#171 Largo Three
on February 15, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.(Jenison, MI | Unverified Name)
well the link didn't work: www.jgunndesigns.com
there you go. Check it out!
#172 david
on February 16, 2008 at 6:21 a.m.(Manchester, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
Im a physics student and iv read a lot of these comments and seen there seems to be a bit of confusion as to why pluto has been reclassified as a dwarf planet. Let me explain:
The internationally recognised group of astronomers who decide issues like this realised they had to create some sort of definition of what a planet actually is because of the discovery of many astronomical objects of similar size to pluto. One object is actually larger than pluto. Also, Pluto's moon Charon is very large in comparison to Pluto. The Moon is many times smaller than the Earth but this is not the case with the Pluto-Charon system.
The new definition of a planet is as follows:
1. The object must orbit the sun
2. The object must be of a large enough size so that it is in hydrostatic equilibrium (a posh way of saying it must be round!)
3. The object must have cleared its orbit (that is, there must be no other objects of comparable size occupying the same area in space)
pluto does not satisfy the third criterium so falls under the category of "dwarf planet", which is defined as an object fulfilling criteria one and two.
#173 Sam Sinnamon
on February 16, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.(Bloomfield Hills, MI | Unverified Name)
Pluto really acts more like a long period commet than a planet, because of its composition and its highly inclined and eliptical orbit. It's even been seen to possess a faint coma.
#174 I LOVE PLUTO
on February 17, 2008 at 10:21 p.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
Pluto is actually a planet. I don't care what any scientists say. I believe in Pluto and there is nothing you can do to stop me.
#175 Paul M.
on February 20, 2008 at 2:24 p.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
I would have supported the idea of bringing in other heavenly bodies in the solar system, why can't the 9th planet be like the 10th Canadian Province - Newfoundland and Labador, - Pluto and Charon, I'm sure it must be loney that far out from the sun, why can't they both share the status of being qualified as 1 planet, it would change the end of the commonly know saying to "pizzas-cold". OK, So maybe educated would need to become erratic to make it work, but what the hell, why not??? anyone else love revisionist history, cause that how I feel about the demotion.
this is kinda Fun!
#176 M D :o)
on February 22, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
I miss plutooooo
It was the cutest lil thing....
People always say don't exclude people just because they are different, but here some scientists go and say pluto's not a planet any more, just because it's small (a dwarf planet), thus excluding it because it's smaller... bullies!!! Poor pluto... it's crying, look (:o() that's a sad pluto by the way. Anyway, why should something that's called a "dwarf" planet be different to a regular planet? I reckon they just made all this up to get themselves attention, and to be horrible to puto... and all because it's smaller than the other planets. Rude!!!
RIP pluto, i will miss thee.
#177 M D :o)
on February 22, 2008 at 11:50 a.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
Oh, and also, the way I was taught to remember the planets was:
My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming Planets
(Ha, ironic that the way of remembering the name Pluto was with the word planets, when apparently it's not one >:o( ...)
but now this will just be:
My Very easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming...
naming what??? kids won't remember what the rhyme is for!! It doesn't make any sense!!!
Oh the Horror! Oh the Horror! :o(
Plutooooooo
#178 Dorean
on February 26, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.(Wentzville, MO | Unverified Name)
I still say that Pluto is a planet! Don't people always say "Size doesn't matter?" LOL
Also, just remarking on a mistake in this article - but in 2003 (confirmed in 2005) there was a 10th planet discovered, originally designated 2003 UB313 it has now officially been named Eris.
More info at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4...
http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~mbrown/pl...
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y20...
#179 celina
on March 2, 2008 at 9:32 a.m.(Landenberg, PA | Unverified Name)
heres how ppl can remember it now...i used to use:
my
very
eager
mother
just
served
us
nine
pizzas
but now they can use
my
very
eager
mother
just
served
us
nachos
yes, im just that smart! haha
#180 Amanda
on March 2, 2008 at 8:06 p.m.(New Berlin, WI | Unverified Name)
I believe in Pluto! So happy to have found this group :)
#181 Alissa
on March 8, 2008 at 5:54 a.m.(Trumansburg, NY | Unverified Name)
How can they remove Pluto from the list of planets? Dwarf planets are still planets, right?? I mean, dwarf people are still people... lol. There are still nine planets!
#182 Andrew
on March 9, 2008 at 9:33 p.m.(Oak Grove, MO | Unverified Name)
"Mercury", "Venus", "Earth, "Mars", "Jupitor", "Saturn, "Uranus", "Neptune", " ", huh? wut happened to " "? what happened to our nineth planet? ok, so it's still floting out in space, being the farthest away from the sun. so why do we pretend to not know its there? thats harsh. well " ", ur still a planet in my book.
#183 Beth
on March 12, 2008 at 10:16 a.m.(Denton, TX | Unverified Name)
what about the my very eager mother just served us nine pizzas? i was taught that in the second grade
#184 Matt
on March 12, 2008 at 7 p.m.(Arlington, TX | Unverified Name)
I respect what Pluto was and when my siblings come home after learning about the solar system saying there are 8 planets. I correct them and say there are nine. Then I go get my shirt out and show them that when I was there age Pluto was deffinatly a planet. In my eyes it will never stop being a planet.
GO PLUTO
#185 Sad Guy
on March 18, 2008 at 7:49 p.m.(Boulder, CO | Unverified Name)
I miss you Pluto. I will always love you.
#186 Lyn
on March 20, 2008 at 5:52 a.m.(Baltimore, MD | Unverified Name)
Pluto. ♥
#187 Lyn
on March 20, 2008 at 5:53 a.m.(Baltimore, MD | Unverified Name)
Meh. Pluto. <3
#188 Karissa
on March 31, 2008 at 8:58 a.m.(Nokomis, FL | Unverified Name)
I loved teh pluto<3
RIP, you'll never be forgotten.
#189 Elle Shayna
on April 3, 2008 at 10:42 a.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
When I was little i learned for the planets:
My very eager mother just served us nine pizzas.
Mercury venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune PLUTO.
now what are they teaching the kids to remember it????
My very eager mother just served us nothing?
I will always believe Pluto is a planet... even tho its a little weird!
I LOVE YOU PLUTO!
#190 Diana
on April 3, 2008 at 9:58 p.m.(Houston, TX | Unverified Name)
Pluto I shall remember u always! You shall be missed.
#191 Siara
on April 4, 2008 at 1:41 a.m.(Parow, South Africa | Unverified Name)
Pluto will always be remembered as the planet who never let his size get him down...you'll alays be my planet pluto!
#192 ROFLMAO
on April 4, 2008 at 3:25 p.m.(Ottawa, Canada | Unverified Name)
gannngstaaa
#193 Neil
on April 6, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.(Lombard, IL | Unverified Name)
Astronomy has always been my favourite subject, and pluto my favourite planet because of its barren freezing atmosphere... i beleive pluto should still be a planet and anyone who thinks otherwise is just ignorent. I remember back in 4th grade (i am currently a freshmen) there was talk of a "planet x" and they ended up making it plutos moon... if pluto is now one of Neptunes moons, what does that make "planet x"?
#194 Kristen
on April 8, 2008 at 7:34 a.m.(Whitby, Canada | Unverified Name)
I was really depressed when I found out that pluto wasn't a planet anymore. I remember doing a planet wordsearch in elementary school and looking pluto along with the other planets. Makes the planet pickers look stupid for not realizing it was a "dwarf planet" years later!
#195 Matty N
on April 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.(Rochdale, United Kingdom | Unverified Name)
I was taught "My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming Planets"
now what am i supposed to say???
My very easy method just speeds up nuh????
And now they are saying well its not a planet, its a dwarf planet......
Yeah so its still a F85394G planet then aint it!!!
#196 Laurel K.
on April 9, 2008 at 5:06 a.m.(Toms River, NJ | Unverified Name)
Pluto most certainly IS still a planet. It was not "classified" as such until 1930 because it was not discovered until 1930. The August 2006 demotion was rejected by over 300 professional astronomers led by Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto, within days of the decision. That decision is extremely problematic because it was made by only four percent of the International Astronomical Union. A total of 424 out of 10,000 members voted! No absentee voting was allowed; one had to be in the room to vote. Most who voted are not planetary scientists but other types of astronomers. The definition they adopted makes no linguistic sense because it says that "dwarf planets" are not planets at all! That is like saying grizzly bears are not bears. Also, the requirement that an object "clear its orbit" to be considered a full fledged planet is nebulous and vague. None of the planets in our solar system fully clear their orbits of neighboring asteroids, and Neptune does not clear its orbit of Pluto, yet the IAU definition accepts Neptune as a planet. In the last year and a half, there has been an active movement to get this decision overturned at the next IAU General Assembly in 2009. You can find out more about this on my LiveJournal blog at http://laurele.livejournal.com . You can also find a petition to reinstate Pluto at
http://pleasesavepluto.org/pluto/peti...
#197 Courtney
on April 10, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.(Weare, NH | Unverified Name)
I cant even begin to tell you how mad i was about that, and i am a proud owner of 3 shirts that have diffrent logos about pluto bein a planet, they should bring pluto back deff.
Steven Klimczak your my hero.
#198 SONIA
on April 15, 2008 at 6:27 p.m.(High Prairie, Canada | Unverified Name)
OMG I LOVE Pluto, when I found out there was a FB group DEDICATED to it I FREAKY! it was like the happiesnt moment EVER! like honeslty, I always ALWAYS ALWAYS think of how when I'm older I'll be able to say "When I was your age, Pluto was a planet!" hahaha YAYY
#199 YOUR FACE
on April 15, 2008 at 8:15 p.m.(Langley, Canada | Unverified Name)
I did a project on pluto in grade 6
: )
#200 Hannah
on April 17, 2008 at 5:05 a.m.(Penrith, Australia | Unverified Name)
Pluto will always be a planet in my book! When NASA's misson, New Horizons, reaches pluto to photograph the planet, I can say a compact disc containing my name along with about 500,000 other names flew right next to the planet Pluto. How many people get to say that? In short, Pluto is still the 9th planet in my eyes.
i'd say about 500 000?
hahaha
i heart pluto.
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