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Pluto has officially been classified as a dwarf planet since 2006.

The Claim

Pluto is classified as the ninth planet of the Solar System.

Verified by Lenz ·

The Short Version

Pluto is officially classified as a dwarf planet, not the Solar System’s ninth planet. The IAU changed its classification in 2006 after adopting a definition under which Pluto does not clear its orbital neighborhood. Although Pluto was formerly known as the ninth planet, the Solar System’s current official count is eight planets.

Caveats

  • The statement confuses Pluto’s historical status with its current official classification.
  • Some planetary scientists dispute the IAU definition, but that debate has not reversed Pluto’s official classification.
  • Pre-vote drafts and archived materials do not supersede the IAU’s final 2006 resolution.

The Receipts

  1. Pluto

    science.nasa.gov

  2. Pluto & Dwarf Planets

    science.nasa.gov

  3. IAU 2006 General Assembly: Result of the IAU Resolution votes

    iau.org

  4. Pluto loses planet status : Nature News

    nature.com

  5. Pluto: Facts - NASA Science

    science.nasa.gov

  6. What is a Planet?

    ssd.jpl.nasa.gov

  7. All About Pluto

    spaceplace.nasa.gov

  8. Press Release in English, August 24, 2006 - Astronomy 2006 - IAU XXVIth General Assembly

    astronomy2006.com

  9. IAU 2006 General Assembly: Result of the IAU Resolution votes | Press Releases | IAU

    iau.org

  10. Why is Pluto no longer a planet? | Library of Congress

    loc.gov

+ 23 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

International Astronomical UnionPlutoSolar System

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