Pluto was discovered in 1930, becoming the 9th planet in the solar system. As telescopes improved, other Sun-orbiting objects were discovered. Some of those were even larger than Pluto. By 2005, it was becoming apparent that many more objects would soon be discovered and that the number of planets in the Solar System could swell to as many as 50. After much debate, scientists in the International Astronomical Union (IAU) concluded that Pluto and the other similar celestial bodies orbiting the Sun should be classified as "dwarf" planets. Since a "planet" must clear the space surrounding its orbit, our Solar system now has 8 planets.Why are scientists expected to publish the data they use to make discoveries?

A. Scientific explanations make predictions.
B. Science is limited by technology.
C. Scientific explanations are tentative.
D. Science is based on empirical observations.


Answer: D

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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