In the context of planetary classification debate, what aspect of planetary assessment do many working planetary scientists, especially those studying Pluto, feel the IAU definition focuses on too heavily?
Answer
Orbital dynamics.
Many planetary scientists, particularly those focused on the outer solar system and objects like Pluto, express reservations about the IAU definition because they believe it overemphasizes orbital dynamics—specifically the requirement to clear the neighborhood. These researchers often advocate for a definition centered on the object's geophysical properties. They argue that if a body possesses the necessary mass to self-gravitate into a sphere and exhibits complex geological or atmospheric processes driven by its size, it should qualify as a planet, irrespective of whether its orbital path is shared with similar-sized neighbors.
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