Pluto is a small, mysterious world, deep in the cold, dark
recesses of the distant outer solar system. It was named a
planet when it was discovered in 1930, but that designation has
been in dispute for some years now. The issue was settled in
August of 2006, when the International Astronomical Union
reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet. The reclassification is a
result of new and better information that, in turn, came from
improved technology and observing methods. It’s a beautiful
example of the scientific process in action. Science is not a
static body of facts, but an active process subject to constant
revision. Theories are tried and tested. If they fail they are
discarded. Old information sometimes turns out to be inadequate.
New information can change our understanding of the world (and
universe) around us. It helps to remember the history of
astronomy is a history of changing worldviews as a result of new
and better data. And we want the science process to continue.
Refining the classification of solar