The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the definition of a planet in 2006 to clarify the classification of celestial bodies and address the debate surrounding Pluto's status. The new definition established specific criteria for a planet: it must orbit the Sun, be spherical due to its own gravity, and have cleared its orbit of other debris. This redefinition led to Pluto being reclassified as a "dwarf planet," as it does not meet the third criterion. The change aimed to create a more consistent framework for categorizing objects in our solar system.
To downgrade Pluto from planet to dwarf planet :)
Five such bodies were reclassified as "dwarf planets" in 2006. The most famous, or infamous, has been the demotion of Pluto.
Pluto was once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, but it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union.
The short answer is that the decision was ultimately made by the International Astronomical Union, or IAU. The longer answer is that nobody actually ever decided Pluto wasn't a planet. You see, before August 24th, 2006, there was no official definition of what is and is not a planet. As more differences were noted between Pluto and the other eight planets in our solar system, the need for an official definition became more pressing. Eventually the IAU met and formulated a definition upon which they could all agree. This definition excluded "planets" with characteristics like Pluto has, thus changing its classification from planet to dwarf planet.
The planet that used to be classified as the ninth planet in our solar system is Pluto. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet due to its size and characteristics.
The International Astronomical Union
Pluto was demoted from being a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union. This decision was made after the definition of a planet was revised, and Pluto no longer met the criteria.
By the definition set by the International Astronomical Union, a planet has cleared smaller objects from its orbital path. A dwarf planet is a similar object that has failed to do so.
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for what qualifies as a planet. Pluto did not meet these updated criteria and was therefore reclassified as a "dwarf planet" rather than a full-fledged planet.
An astronomical discovery is the discovery of anything outside of the planet earth and its atmosphere.
The International Astronomical Union "demoted" Pluto from true planet to dwarf or minor planet status in 2006; it is highly unlikely to reverse that decision and change the definition back to include Pluto as a planet in 2015.
pluto was found as a dwarf planet by the international astronomical union on august 24th 2006
The International Astronomical Union [IAU], classifies Ceres as a Dwarf Planet.
The International Astronomical Union changed the classification of Pluto in August of 2006. They downgraded it from a planet to a dwarf planet.
According to the International Astronomical Union, a planet is an astronomical body orbiting a star or stellar remnant thatis massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity,is not massive enough to cause thermonuclear fusion, andhas cleared its neighbouring region of planetesimals.Mercury meets all three requirements and so, by definition, it is a planet.
Pluto may become a major planet again in a few million years, if it clears it's orbit of asteroids and other debris.
According to the International Astronomical Union, Pluto is a dwarf planet.