Space Exploration United States

Pluto, the most distant planet in the solar system, has a significant atmosphere and thus cannot be an asteroid masquerading as a planet, as some scientists have suggested, according to a report published today by scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. The finding, in the new issue of the British journal Nature, represents a victory for Pluto over those who have suggested that its planetary status be yanked.

Pluto, the most distant planet in the solar system, has a significant atmosphere and thus cannot be an asteroid masquerading as a planet, as some scientists have suggested, according to a report published today by scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. The finding, in the new issue of the British journal Nature, represents a victory for Pluto over those who have suggested that its planetary status be yanked.

Until this century, we could only observe space from Earth, but in 1957, the first man-made satellite was launched. Now, we explore other planets with robotic vehicles and astronauts live in a space station. Scientists also scan the heavens using powerful telescopes to learn about planets, comets, asteroids, nebulas, stars and other galaxies. To learn more about space exploration, use the direct links on The Times Launch Point Web site: http://www.latimes.

What kind of book should go with you to the beach? A cheap book, first of all, one you can afford to see sun-bleached, sand-scratched , grease-stained and maybe lost altogether. A lightweight book, second, and that in two senses: a book that won't weigh the tote down and one that won't turn pleasure into civic or intellectual duty.