The IAU is proposing the following definition of a planet, which would make our beloved tenth planet, really the 12th planet!

A planet is 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.

Under this definition, Pluto would remain the 9th planet, but its moon, Charon, would be reclassified as the 10th planet. In addition, Ceres, an asteroid would also be reclassified as a planet, making it the 11th planet. Finally, to confuse matters further, all of these would also be called plutons to distinquish them from the eight “classic” planets.

If this definition is accepted, and it may not be, we could end up with 53 planets immediately, and possibly hundreds as more are discovered in the outer reaches of the solar system.

IAU members will vote on this definition on August 24th, 2006. Confusing times for our 2003 UB313 planet. Is it a planet? Is it the tenth planet? Is it the twelfth planet? Is it also a pluton? And what name will it be given? We won’t have to wait long for the answers.

1. kyle(gurl name) im a girl Says:
   December 10th, 2007 at 3:22 pm

   think that its so kool that we have found another planet ts so kool and me and my friends want to ask u if u think that there might be more planets or asteriods etc that we mighht found but y wasnt it on the news when u guys found the 10th or 11th planet???????

2. josh Says:
   August 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 am

   is et true that planet pluto is still planet am still confussed about it whats the truth? And is it true that the moon of pluto is another planet ty josh

3. charles Says:
   August 3rd, 2008 at 9:56 am

   can planet mars can be like planet earth? if planet pluto is still a planet prove it pls….. and what is the name of the 12 planet? can the people can leave there???????im still caos abcut that and some tell me that mars is just like a earth is it true?

4. Hazel P. Nepomuceno Says:
   February 12th, 2009 at 4:22 am

   I don’t think that there would be a Tenth planet. I visited this site because we are studying about planet and my teacher commanded that we must search for the tenth planet. And now I believe that there is a Tenth planet. I’m so thankful to GOD because HE help me doing this. Goodbye and thank you, too.

5. Hazel P. Nepomuceno Says:
   February 12th, 2009 at 4:31 am

   I’m only 10 years old and turning 11 on February 17, 2009.

6. Helper Says:
   May 1st, 2009 at 10:40 pm

   Of course there are many planets like earth. Other humanities inhabit them. Our physical body and the devices we use are good only for the 3th dimension. There are many dimension above and many below. Other humanities may live in higher dimensions that we can not see. I found a free book that will teach you how to be able to explore all dimensions in the universe. You can ask for it at http://www.hercolubus.tv. No groups to joing, no money involved. Only you working to develop your powers. Good luck.