Leading astronomers have officially redefined the criteria for classifying planets, resulting in Pluto being demoted from its status as the ninth planet in the solar system to a "dwarf planet." This decision, made during the International Astronomical Union's General Assembly in Prague, has sparked significant debate and controversy among both scientists and the public. Critics argue that the new classification is unwise and may impact fields like astrology, while supporters believe it provides a clearer understanding of celestial bodies based on their physical characteristics and orbits. The new definition states that a planet must clear its orbital neighborhood, a criterion Pluto does not meet due to its shared space with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. This change has raised questions about the implications for future discoveries and the need for potential updates to educational materials, as well as discussions about the nature of celestial classification itself. The debate continues over whether the decision serves a scientific purpose or is merely a semantic issue.
