On the new definition of planet

Although astronomers have introduced a new definition of planet and expelled
Pluto from the solar system, the recent decision will keep troubling them for
some years because the expulsion was made democratically. More over they have to
consider reaction of public also - who know Kepler's third law of planetary
motion, from SSC-algebra and equation of velocity of a planet or moon, from
HSC-physics.

V^2 = GM / R

Third condition, in the new definition, requires the clearance of neighbourhood
around planet's orbit. How to decide it? There is no specification of the span
of clearance or the minimum value of distance from the planet - within which a
smaller body should not exist / orbit the planet.

On the contrary, the equation of velocity permits any distance between planet
and moon, R, any value and mass of planet, M. Any value of velocity, V, is also
allowed, one just has to plug numbers in the equation and compute velocity. So
how to decide the clearance of neighbourhood around a planet? Therefore an HSC
student may question why to call V as the critical velocity - if its any value
is permitted by the above equation.

Physics has already lost the lustre and hence the main aim of Einstein Year was
to popularize physics and introduction of such a conflicting definition will
make situation worse. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider the third
condition in new definition and its possible effect on the image of physics and
astronomy in particular.

Name and Address of Author: Dileep V. Sathe
2 Prerana Apts, A-40, Kasturba Society, Dighi Post
Uttar Pune, MH, 411015
Phone: 2669-6965 Mobile: 2171-2437 Email: DileepSathe@...

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