Scientist striving to make Pluto a planet again

A team of six scientists from institutions across the United States have suggested a new planetary classification system, which would restore to Pluto its status as the ninth planet.

The team presented a paper at an international planetary science conference at The Woodlands, Texas, on March 21, which would base the definition of “planet” on geological properties such as shape and surface features.

Using the proposed new system, some 110 orbiting objects, including Earth’s moon, would be reclassified as planets.

Pluto had been considered the ninth planet since its discovery in 1930 until 2006, when the International Astronomical Union redefined it after discovering many larger bodies of similar composition orbiting farther out in the solar system.

In light of these discoveries Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet.

If the news classification system is accepted, Pluto would once again be the ninth planet.

The new system includes subcategories, so Earth’s moon would be one type of planet, and not a competitor with Pluto for ninth planet status.

Reuters