The Editor, Sir:

The editorial cartoon, which appeared in the August 24 issue of The Gleaner was a good attempt at illustrating the state of affairs, regarding PNP unity, in a way that provokes laughter even as this letter is penned.

However, the caption stating; 'Recently, scientists have discovered three new planets in our solar system' is simply incorrect. In fact, the existence of the objects has been common knowledge in astronomical circles for quite some time.

The three objects have recently appeared in the limelight due to the heated debate among astronomers about what, exactly, should characterise a planet.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), a body of professional astronomers, recently voted for one of three contending definitions of a planet. Instead of them choosing the definition that would add the three 'new' objects mentioned above to our solar system, as planets, they chose one that has made the old tally one less!

The conventional ninth planet, Pluto, is no longer a full-fledged planet, but a 'dwarf planet', an expected one of many awaiting discovery. So, indeed, there are now, officially, only eight planets in our solar system and quite a few that do not quite have what it takes to be a planet.

As for Mr. Pickersgill and PNP unity: he may be on one of those yet to be discovered dwarf planets, astronomers know they are there, but they are very hard to see, and equally hard to find.

I am, etc.,

MARC CORNWALL

mrcacr@yahoo.co.uk

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica