Pluto no longer a planet

The International Astronomical Union on Thursday set a new definition for the word planet, which excludes Pluto.

Scientists at the Union, last week talked of a move to expand the definition of the word planet to include not only Pluto but several recently discovered heavenly bodies in the solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune. This had raised a debate on whether or not the smallest planet in the solar system is worthy of being called a planet at all.

The Union, on Thursday also announced a new set of guidelines based on which a heavenly body would be called a planet.

External Links:

• The case against Pluto
• Give or take a planet
• Taking the 'magic' out of the solar System
• Changing shape of the sky at night