Sep 13, 2018
The reason Pluto lost its planet status is not valid, according to new research.
...Instead, Metzger recommends classifying a planet based on if it is large enough that its gravity allows it to become spherical in shape.
"And that's not just an arbitrary definition, Metzger said. "It turns out this is an important milestone in the evolution of a planetary body, because apparently when it happens, it initiates active geology in the body."
Pluto, for instance, has an underground ocean, a multilayer atmosphere, organic compounds, evidence of ancient lakes and multiple moons, he said.
"It's more dynamic and alive than Mars," Metzger said. "The only planet that has more complex geology is the Earth."