Definition of 'Planet' Expected in September Historians and
educators have joined astronomers in an effort to break a
deadlock on contentious discussions over a definition for the
word planet. A decision is expected in September, but history
suggests rewriting the textbooks could be more challenging than
finding tiny new worlds at the edge of the solar system. 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 a newly formed
committee that includes experts outside the realm of astronomy
tasked to break a deadlock in earlier committee discussions.
Depending on the outcome of a separate controversial procedural
issue-whether IAU members should be allowed to vote on such
things-astronomers might then have the chance to weigh in on the
definition later in the same meeting, SPACE.com has learned. If
approved, the definition woul