Posted on 03/14/2007 11:21:11 AM PDT by CedarDave
The International Astronomical Union may have demoted Pluto from its full-fledged status as a planet last year, designating it a "dwarf planet," but the state House of Representatives this week passed a joint memorial restoring Pluto to its full planetary glory whenever it passes over New Mexico, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.
Clyde Tombaugh, who helped create New Mexico State University's astronomy department and spent much of his life in Las Cruces, discovered photographic evidence of Pluto on Feb. 18, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz.
Tombaugh's 94-year-old widow, Patsy Tombaugh, and his daughter, Annette Tombaugh-Sitze, who both live in Las Cruces, were on hand in Santa Fe on Tuesday when the House approved the joint memorial, which also declares March 13, 2007, as "Pluto Planet Day," the Sun-News reported.
"In a way, it's saying that the state is supporting the fact it should be a planet," Patsy Tombaugh said. "I think it's nice they did that."
Patsy Tombaugh said there's a movement afoot among astronomers to bring back Pluto's full planetary status, but, she added, "It will always be a planet to me -- no matter what they decide to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
PING!
If it has more mass than fat Billy, it's a planet.
Reminds me of when Berzerkly became a nuclear free zone. I hope they can enforce that with our enemies. I hate to see someone get a ticket or fine.
With my declaration that Ceres is a planet that makes 10.
God forbid they do anything that makes a difference.
Both houses are controlled by Rats. "Making a difference" to them means spending more money and passing more restrictive rules. Best they stick to this type of legislation.
One thing that makes NM unique is that it's legislature only meets 60 days in odd years and 30 days in even years. So the time for mischief is limited. This year the session ends in just 72 hours. Also, NM does not have citizen initative like Arizona and California so we are spared endless propositions, amendments and associated ads for this or that campaign.
Can you be more specific?
Which "Billy"?
Incidentally, how could you ignore "Teddy"?
That sounds
Richardson, our beloved Gobernador.
Geez, if Mass. would meet only on Feb. 29th they'd still screw over the people there.
Welcome to Planet Ted
Actually, primarily object to the name..... that's is why full-planet status is opposed.
It's about time someone stood up against blatant planetism.
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