The International Astronomical Union’s Planet Definition Committee has proposed a new definition for the word “planet.” This definition would cause the current number of 9 planets to expand to 12 and would include the largest asteroid, Ceres, as well as the recently discovered object 2003 UB313, nicknamed Xena. Astronomers will vote on the definition at the upcoming IAU XXVIth General Assembly in Prague on August 24.

In a front-page article on this topic in today's issue of the New York Times, DTM Astrophysicist Alan Boss stated, “This will be the talk of the town in Prague.” Boss explained that the new definition with four paragraphs and four footnotes reads as if it had been written by lawyers, adding "I don't think this is the one we were looking for." Boss was particularly critical of a part of the definition that would grant planetary status to Charon, a moon of Pluto.

Boss also added, “Being a planet used to be an old boys’ club, with eight or nine members. We’re going to have more planets inside the solar system than we have outside.”

Related links:

Washington Times, “Scientists Debate Planet Puzzle”
SPACE.com, Nine Planets become 12 with Controversial New Definition