The IAU (International Astronomical Union) has still not given a decision or either the planet’s status (whether or not it can be called a planet) or its name (if it is going to be considered a planet).

The IAU has established a working group of people to define the minimum size for a planet. Once that definition is established, we will know if Xena will be considered a planet or not. If she is determined to be a planet, then another IAU group will determine the actual name that will be assigned to it.

1. Peter Wetzel Says:
   January 25th, 2006 at 6:28 am

   Not having the background to the argue nuances of what defines a planet *scientifically*, I agree with Mike Brown’s position, as I understand it, that *culture* should drive the IAU decision. After 76 years, we should’t take Pluto away and say it is not a planet. Nor would it make sense to prevent an object of similar provenance to Pluto, which is larger, from being called a planet. The inner 8 planets are of two distinct types, rocky ones and gas giants. Pluto, by being “grandfathered” in, should allow for a third class of planet, of which 2003 UB313 (“Xena”) ought to be recognized as the second known example. I personally favor using Pluto as an arbitrary benchmark for minimum size (regardless of mass). Thus I would define any object that orbits the sun (i.e. isn’t a “moon” of another planet), and has a diameter greater than or equal to that of Pluto as a “culturally recognized planet”.

   Thanks for creating this blog, thus allowing me to express my opinion!

   – Pete Wetzel
   NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, retired

2. bob Says:
   March 16th, 2006 at 12:22 am

   the name is limbo or Xena