Last month I wrote an entry titled Who Speaks for Pluto? It seems that Pluto has attracted a group of rebel astronomers who have launched a campaign to have it restored in pomp and glory. A petition already signed by more than 300 professional researchers is attacking the International Astronomical Union (IAU) decision to expel Pluto from the Solar System's A-list and doom it to the status of "dwarf planet".
The movement is beginning to pick up momentum and Pluto supporters intend to stage a conference next year to fix the definition of a planet. They expect that as many as 1,000 astronomers will attend.
Don't be surprised if this heads to the court of public opinion complete with bumper stickers, campaign television ads, and mailings. Tomorrows headline may well be, Pluto Demands A Recount!
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