Does Pluto Remain A Planet?

A proposed new definition of a planet, if the definition is approved by the astronomers gathered 14-25 August 2006 at the IAU General Assembly in Prague, will bring the count of planets in our solar system to twelve. The resolution to be voted upon on the 24th of August by the IAU Assembly defines a planet as "… a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Check out the IAU press release for more details, and stay tuned for the results of the fateful vote.