In 2006 astronomers redefined “planet,” and Pluto — still a fascinating icy world — was reclassed as a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its orbital neighborhood the way the eight majors have.
New Horizons’ 2015 flyby showed mountains, glaciers, and a heart-shaped plain, proving dwarf does not mean dull. Pluto sits among other Kuiper Belt objects.
Categories are tools, not insults. Calling Pluto a dwarf planet keeps the solar system’s family tree honest while leaving room for wonder.
Shahzad Mahota
Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet
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