91av

Astronomers plot to overturn planet definition

31 August 2006

Several hundred researchers have signed a petition to do away with the new definition, which strips Pluto of its status as a planet

Soundbites

30 August 2006

Rows over planetary status are as old as the asteroids

30 August 2006

Even as you mourn Pluto's demotion from planet, spare a thought for poor old Ceres, which has twice battled to attain planetary status

New planet definition sparks furore

25 August 2006

Some astronomers say the Earth and three other planets fail to meet the criteria of the new definition, which was decided by just 4% of eligible voters

Pluto gets the boot as the planet count drops

24 August 2006

Astronomers voted to demote Pluto to "dwarf planet" status, leaving eight fully fledged planets – but there is still a crumb of comfort for fans of the distant, frigid world

Pluto's fate is balanced on a knife edge

24 August 2006

After days of heated wrangling, astronomers will today decide on the definition of a planet – will Pluto be left out in the cold?

Astronomers lean towards eight planets

22 August 2006

After a heated public debate and subsequent closed-door negotiations, astronomers settle on a draft planet definition that would demote Pluto

Battle of the planet definitions heats up

22 August 2006

The latest attempt to define "planet" meets with a hostile response from astronomers at a key meeting in Prague

Pluto may yet lose planet status

18 August 2006

A second definition that says a planet is "by far the largest body in its local population" has been proposed at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union

Planet debate: Proposed new definitions

16 August 2006

The International Astronomical Union will vote next week on what constitutes a planet – use our handy guide to see what all the fuss is about