In 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined planets and stripped Pluto of that title. Interestingly, by the IAU’s criteria, Earth could also be demoted. According to that organization, a planet must:

1. Orbit a star
2. Have enough mass to achieve hydrostatic equilibrium [big enough to become a sphere, or round] and
3. Clear debris from its path..

Though Earth’s highway through the sky is messy, we escape the title “dwarf planet” because of a better vacuuming system during babyhood than Pluto’s  [a/k/a accretion].  Read more. For more reasons than avoiding the name ‘puny,’ obstacle-removal is important for all journeys.

This week offers great opportunities to take Einstein’s advice atop this post.  In addition to Percy Lowell’s birthday, March 13 is also Good Samaritan Day. The 17^th  celebrates St. Patrick, a man praised for sweeping the snakes from Ireland.  The 19^th calls all gigglers, cacklers, chortlers and belly laughers to celebrate “National Let’s Laugh Day,”

Enjoy!