Pluto turns 20 as a dwarf planet, but debate remains
- On August 24, 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet after the International Astronomical Union changed the definition of a planet.
- Under that definition, a planet must orbit the Sun, be nearly round and clear other objects from its orbital neighbourhood. Pluto meets the first two conditions but not the third.
- Twenty years later, the debate continues, with some scientists arguing Pluto should regain planet status, while the IAU still officially classifies it as a dwarf planet.
Source: nbcnews.com
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