What component is central to the proposed alternative scientific definition of a planet that aims for a more universal classification across the galaxy, independent of our solar system's architecture?
Answer
Not being massive enough to initiate sustained nuclear fusion in its core.
The alternative physical definition being circulated seeks universality by focusing on intrinsic characteristics rather than location relative to the Sun. A core component of this physical approach is setting the upper mass limit for a planet by specifying that it must *not* be massive enough to trigger sustained nuclear fusion in its core; exceeding this threshold classifies the object as a star. This characteristic, combined with the requirement of being massive enough to achieve a spherical shape, allows astronomers to classify worlds orbiting distant stars based on fundamental physics rather than waiting for them to complete an orbit around our Sun.
Related Questions
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