Demotion of Pluto

The world’s astronomers after a tumultuous debate
have decided to reduce the number of planets to eight.
Little Pluto out in the reaches of the solar system
has been the subject of controversy and criticism.
This body orbiting out in the deep solar space void
is now classified by earth’s sky watchers as a planetoid.

Since the solar system was discovered by Copernicus,
it’s the second time something has lost planetary status.
The object named Ceres was considered as planetary,
but was lessened to an asteroid in the last century.

Some astronomers suspected another planet did dwell.
The search for “Planet X” was begun by Percival Lowell.
The orbits of Uranus and Neptune showed perturbations
by some outer unknown body pulling with gravitations.
For many years, the world’s big telescopes were aimed at the skies.
It was a long and frustrating search causing some tired eyes.
Many astronomers hoped to find this mystery body.
Clyde Tombaugh finally discovered it in 1930.

Pluto has a very large body called Charon for a moon.
A highly eccentric orbit brings it closer than Neptune.
It’s far away where our sun is shining with just a faint glow.
These are a few of the facts astronomers would get to know.
Pluto’s considered one of many things called a “Plutrino”.
It’s the largest of bodies orbiting in the “Kuiper Belt”
Reduction from planetary status is what they all felt.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Martin Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 2:30 PM
At least they found that Pluto wasn't lonely amongst its plutino brothers! Congratulations on your win Robert! :-)
Roper Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM
Robert, congratulations on your win!
Wolf Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 8:11 PM
Congrats to you on your win in my contest, Robert
Mehta Avatar
April 9, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Enjoyed the write on Many Miles Away theme, congrats on a fine win,robert
Walker  Avatar
April 8, 2014 at 4:04 AM
Well done Robert... Congratulations on your first place win... Verlena
Arowolo Avatar
April 7, 2014 at 6:36 PM
Wonderful and very educative piece,Robert..Great Narration...Good job..Congrats on your well deserved win...
A  Avatar
April 7, 2014 at 5:56 PM
ROBERT, Congratulations, a wonderful win. Thank you for sharing how far your distance goes. ~SKAT~
Horsch Avatar
April 7, 2014 at 9:35 AM
I love to see you on my winners list Robert, A very well written poem my friend. Congratulations.......Roger
Roberts Avatar
January 23, 2011 at 8:27 AM
great rhyme on an interesting topic, you have a very eclectic taste in topics
Radke Avatar
January 23, 2011 at 6:47 AM
Great writing! I love these works of yours -- the melding of facts into poetry. Most excellent poem, Mr. Pettit. Love, Deb
Devonshire Avatar
January 22, 2011 at 7:43 PM
Why can't they just leave our solar system intact, Robert? To me, Pluto will always be a planet (as well as a dog in a comic strip), but I didn't know about Ceres. This is quite a revelation and I'm a science reader who loves to learn new things. Brilliant poem, Robert, and the research you did produced astonishing results. Another one for my favorites, my friend. Love, Carolyn
Tate Avatar
January 22, 2011 at 6:16 PM
Robert, you have done a great job in researching this subject of borderline planets. I respect your exposition in poem form. Great write indeed. I may include my prose version in the Articles section of poetrysoup. Thanks for your knowledgeable comments.
Sweetheart Avatar
January 22, 2011 at 6:06 PM
Robert just luv your poem on Pluto.. your rhyme sequence is superb my friend and great imagery unfolds in every line.. your opening stanza is great luv..
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