Only Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are planets

[naelphin]

Considering how large the gas giants are compared to the terrestrial planets, why are they considered planets still?

Neptune is far smaller than than the rest of the giants, yet it is almost 3 times bigger in diameter than Earth, which is the biggest terrestrial. Why is Earth considered a planet still?

[baric]

Considering how large the gas giants are compared to the terrestrial planets, why are they considered planets still?

Neptune is far smaller than than the rest of the giants, yet it is almost 3 times bigger in diameter than Earth, which is the biggest terrestrial. Why is Earth considered a planet still?

They are planets because:

1) not massive enough to trigger fusion
2) massive enough to be round
3) have cleared their orbit around a star

Not all planets have to be the same size, and not all planets have to be larger than all moons (although that happens to be the case in our solar system)

[Ara Pacis]

Except no data has been presented by the IAU that criteria 3 has been satisfied by any of the planets. That may be why the IAU lists the "classic planets" by name. They used fiat power to shoehorn them in without regard for their new definition. Either that, or the list is dicta and the possibility remains that they may still be demoted.

[Kullat Nunu]

*yawn*

Nitpicking, nitpicking, and yet more nitpicking...