My Very Efficient Mother Just Served Us Nine…

Farewell, Pluto: BLOG: SciAm Observations

According to the new definition of planet by the International Astronomical Union, the former ninth planet, is no longer a planet. Here is the new definition:

a “planet” is defined as a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.

Pluto fails part “c” of the definition, because its oblong orbit overlaps with Neptune’s. So it is now classified as a “dwarf planet” along with some large interplanetary asteroids.

So can anyone propose a new mnemonic for remembering the planet names? How about… My very efficient mother just served us noodles?

What do you think?