Challenge Thread: Was Pluto our Ninth Planet in the Fourth Century?

[AV1611VET]

Was Pluto our ninth planet in the fourth century?

(Kudos to Bungle Bear for giving me the idea for this challenge.)

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

Since Pluto was really only discovered in 1930, I'm going to be pedantic and say no, since no-one knew of its existence back then.

And again, you are just showing off your obsession with Pluto.

 

[Lost4words]

Since Pluto was really only discovered in 1930, I'm going to be pedantic and say no, since no-one knew of its existence back then.

And again, you are just showing off your obsession with Pluto.

Hey! Nothing wrong with Pluto! Its where all dogs originated from.

 

[Sabertooth]

No. Percival Lowell first suspected its existence in 1905.
It wasn't confirmed until 1930.
Neptune wasn't discovered until 1612 (or 1846?).
Uranus wasn't discovered until 1781.
So, the fourth century only knew of six planets (for which the Latin days of the week were named).

 

[Hans Blaster]

It depends how you define 4th century.

Since the excessive attachment to Pluto seems to be a phenomenon concentrated in the United States, let's use a calendar that reflects that...

European settlement of the future US began in 1609 (on the old "AD" calendar) and with it the "1st Century". This makes the 4th century from 1909 to 2008 on the old calendar. The discovery of Pluto and its entire period of planetary classification occurred during that 4th century. So apparently Pluto was know of and considered as a planet in the 4th century.

Dated: July 5, 413

 

[Aryeh Jay]

Since Pluto was really only discovered in 1930, I'm going to be pedantic and say no, since no-one knew of its existence back then.

And again, you are just showing off your obsession with Pluto.

Pluto is the key that destroys science and proves the Bible. Who ever controls Pluto, controls everything under the Firmament.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

Pluto is the key that destroys science and proves the Bible. Who ever controls Pluto, controls everything under the Firmament.

... I cannot tell if you're serious or not.

 

[Hans Blaster]

Pluto is the key that destroys science and proves the Bible. Who ever controls Pluto, controls everything under the Firmament.

I think from now on I shall refer to my carport as "the Firmament" and my car as "Pluto".

 

[Ophiolite]

@AV1611VET Absolutely not. The concept of numbering the planets outward from the sun is a human one. The concept of defining something as a planet is a human one. Since no humans knew about Pluto in the 4th century it could not have been the ninth planet.

Since you object to the recent change of definition of planet I am astounded that you wish to use the new definition in force at the time of Pluto's discovery. If we use an earlier definition Pluto would be planet 11, since the sun and moon were considered planets by many of the early Greeks.

 

[AV1611VET]

@AV1611VET Absolutely not. The concept of numbering the planets outward from the sun is a human one. The concept of defining something as a planet is a human one. Since no humans knew about Pluto in the 4th century it could not have been the ninth planet.

Since you object to the recent change of definition of planet I am astounded that you wish to use the new definition in force at the time of Pluto's discovery. If we use an earlier definition Pluto would be planet 11, since the sun and moon were considered planets by many of the early Greeks.

Okay then, was Pluto destined to become our ninth planet in the twentieth century?

 

[GallagherM]

Who discovered Pluto in the year 300? Is that 300 bc or 300 ad?

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

Okay then, was Pluto destined to become our ninth planet in the twentieth century?

Is that really a question any person can answer?

 

[AV1611VET]

Who discovered Pluto in the year 300?

I don't know.

Probably no one.

But if it was, and was documented, and said documentation faded into dust, then ... well ... I don't know.

Is that 300 bc or 300 ad?

It doesn't matter; take your pick.

 

[GallagherM]

The planets always fascinated me seeing them in the science books in 6th grade, @AV1611VET.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Okay then, was Pluto destined to become our ninth planet in the twentieth century?

Nope.

 

[AV1611VET]

Is that really a question any person can answer?

Good question, Warden.

The number NINE, in Bible significance, signifies "completeness."

If Pluto was meant to be an "Easter egg," awaiting discovery at the right time, then there could be a reason for completing the order of our solar system in 1930 on a planetary basis.

(If you know what I mean.)

 

[AV1611VET]

The planets always fascinated me seeing them in the science books in 6th grade, @AV1611VET.

Me too!

 

[AV1611VET]

Nope.

You sure?

 

[Subduction Zone]

You sure?

Yep.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

Good question, Warden.

The number NINE, in Bible significance, signifies "completeness."

If Pluto was meant to be an "Easter egg," awaiting discovery at the right time, then there could be a reason for completing the order of our solar system in 1930 on a planetary basis.

(If you know what I mean.)

... I'd call that reading WAY too much into things and also, once again, showing off your obsession with Pluto.