[SunkenCiv]

PLUTO'S A PLANET!!!

We now have 12 planets!

Solar system to welcome three new planets
12.00pm Wednesday August 16, 2006
By Steve Connor
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&ObjectID=10396493

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Plutons. Spherical bodies. But what are the astrologers going to do NOW when they cast their horoscopes?

[annie laurie]

You know, this article seems a bit contradictory ...

First, we have "The nine planets of the solar system are about to be transformed into 12."

Then, "The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is planning to add three new members to the exclusive club of large celestial objects orbiting our Sun."

Followed by: "Astronomers are about to vote on an official proposal to extend the definition of a planet to include at least three more objects that are known to be big enough to warrant planetary status."

The first two snippets seem to indicate that the decision is a 'fait accompli,' but the third indicates that the vote is still to come.

Is this vote a mere formality? Or am I missing something obvious?

[Pyro7480]

We should wait to post that article to the main forum until tomorrow morning, so more people will see it.

[RadioAstronomer]

Thanks for the ping. :-)

Sorry for not being late to the thread. Was out on business.