Monday, August 28, 2006
Pluto Named Most Congenial
Prague, Czech Republic (FN) - Scientists at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) today made efforts to smooth ruffled feathers after last week's controversial conference, which not only saw Xena and Charon rejected for planetary status but even saw Pluto demoted to the status of a mere dwarf planet.
Last Thursday, delegates began the healing process by declaring Pluto "the forerunner of the era of trans-Neptunian bodies". Today they went further by extending a range of other consolation prizes to the solar system's also-rans.
Pluto has been declared "Most Congenial" of the minor bodies.
"Some people think of Pluto as cold and distant, but that's not the planetoid we astronomers know. It shares its orbit with Neptune, and that's pretty friendly if you ask me," said IAU spokesman Terry Bintswell.
Xena has been named "Most Photogenic Planetoid".
"She may look icy on the outside, but Xena is red hot on the inside and that really comes through when she's in front of the camera," said Bintswell.
Charon received the nod for "Most Improved Planetoid".
"Last year, Charon was considered just a moon of Pluto. This year, it was in the running for consideration as a planet and is now considered a dwarf planet. That's a big accomplishment in one year and, in my opinion, it couldn't have happened to a nicer planetoid," said Bintswell.
Qzlkjs MnPort, President of Pluto, demonstrated his planet’s congeniality in accepting the pity prize on behalf of the people of Pluto.
"Hey, no harm no foul about the planet business. As long as you don't stick us with a name like the one you gave Uranus, we're happy," said MnPort.
posted by Mentok @ 9:21 a.m.,
1 Comments:
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At 7:32 a.m.,
Library Mama said...
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Hah!
Did they award a prize for the most fit planet?
Wonder what sort of fitness test the would be subjected to.
