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Why Pluto is no longer a planet (or is it?)

Posted in space

Pluto was long considered our solar system’s ninth planet. Although small, it orbits the sun and has the spherical shape required to be considered a planet.

But today marks 13 years since Pluto received a harsh drop in status — officially dubbed Pluto Demotion Day.

Pluto was relegated in 2006 when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) created a new definition for planets and decided Pluto did not fit the bill.