🤔 Today's Trivia Question:

What Planet Was Downgraded to Dwarf Planet Status in 2006?

Correct Answer: B) Pluto

 🚀 Why Pluto Lost Its Planetary Status: A Look Back at the 2006 Reclassification

In 2006, Pluto was officially reclassified from a planet to a "dwarf planet" by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), sparking significant public backlash. This decision was tied to the adoption of a clearer, more specific definition of what constitutes a planet. According to the IAU's criteria, a celestial body must orbit the Sun, be massive enough for its gravity to shape it into a sphere, and have the gravitational strength to clear its orbital path of debris. Although Pluto meets the first two criteria, it does not have the gravitational influence to clear its orbit, leading to its reclassification.

Prior to 2006, the term "planet" was loosely applied, lacking a precise scientific definition. However, with advancements in astronomy, the IAU felt the need to provide clarity and accuracy in how celestial bodies are classified. This redefinition aimed to create a more consistent framework for understanding the solar system, even if it meant challenging long-standing traditions. The decision, while controversial among the public, was seen within the scientific community as a necessary step to embrace new knowledge about the universe.

Read More at Britannica.com