After getting a reprieve that refined “planets” such that the Solar system went from nine to twelve planets, astronomers have had a change of heart and come up with a new definition that excludes Pluto.
Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. After a tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos, the International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of the planetary status it has held since its discovery in 1930.
The new definition of what is — and isn’t — a planet fills a centuries-old black hole for scientists who have labored since Copernicus without one.
I understand a recount petitition has been filed, with several astronomers claiming the voting method was too complicated.
