Engineering: Definition of ‘planet’ due this September

The definition of a planet has eluded astronomers for years, but now a committee of historians and educators have joined astronomers in an effort to knuckle down the true meaning of the word.

The definition of a planet has eluded astronomers for years, but now a committee of historians and educators have joined astronomers in an effort to knuckle down the true meaning of the word.
 
With a decision is expected in September, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is expected to propose wording to delineate planets from other small, round objects at its 12-day General Assembly meeting in Prague this August.
 
The proposal will be based on recommendations from the newly formed committee.
 
If it is approved, the unveiling of the absolute meaning of planet will occur in September this year.
 
Rewriting textbooks may prove to be more challenging.
 
The controversy over the true meaning of planet started when astronomers first discovered Pluto-like objects in the far reaches of our Solar System.
 
The characteristics of these newfound objects, being round and orbiting the Sun, were enough for them to be defined as a planet.
 
However, their elongated orbit was wild and stretched above and below the main plane typical travelled by the eight traditional planets in orbit.
 
Pluto also has a wild elongated orbit, leading some scientists to believe it is not a true planet either.
 
Astronomers have been arguing over the true name of these types of bodies since 1999.

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