[meteorite-list] Re: The IAU Draft Definition of 'Planet' and 'Plutons'

[Ron Baalke]

>The IAU draft Resolution also defines a new category of planet for

>official use: "pluton". Plutons are distinguished from classical planets

>in that they reside in orbits around the Sun that take longer than 200

>years to complete (i.e. they orbit beyond Neptune). Plutons typically

>have orbits that are highly tilted with respect to the classical planets

>(technically referred to as a large orbital inclination). Plutons also

>typically have orbits that are far from being perfectly circular

>(technically referred to as having a large orbital eccentricity). All of

>these distinguishing characteristics for plutons are scientifically

>interesting in that they suggest a different origin from the classical

>planets.


The word 'pluton' is already defined as a geoligic term.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pluton

pluton - n. A body of igneous rock formed beneath the surface of the earth 
by consolidation of magma.

pluton - n. large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have 
solidified deep within the earth [syn: batholith, batholite, plutonic rock]

Ron Baalke