And here, at this time, 2240HR GMT+8, I waited patiently for the result of what could be noted as the revolution of the definition of the word "planet", and the number of those in our solar systems.
I'll update as things go on, and will be sorting out chronological order.
As far as you guys know, our solar system use to have 10 planets, but at 1800, Ceres is removed from the title of "planets", and here we are again, discussing the reinvitation of the forgotten...
From left, Sun-Mercury-Venus-Earth-Mars-Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto, drawn to scale
This picture is about to be changed...
2316HR - Information indicating that Pluto is out of the solar system. I'm checking the live webfeed of the conference now. It seems they've finished discussing about the planets.
2329HR - CNN had already shown the "bad" news already. Though I couldn't believe it, I'm gonna face the reality later... Farewell, Pluto...
2332HR - I did some research on the new resolution of the planet. It seems like Wiki update pretty on time. They've redefine the planets into 3 types. The Classical planet, Plutonian object and Dwarf planet. Check it out if you've the time or you have your "Pandora's Box" symptom.
2343HR - The webcast has shutted down after the closing ceremony of the IAU meeting. According to the schedule, they should have a press conference at 0000HR GMT+8. I'll be waiting...
2349HR - Last update for this post. I've found the official statement of the voting results. And it seems whatever news I received is true. A copy-and-paste statement of the results are as follows:
RESOLUTION 5A
The IAU therefore resolves that "planets" and other bodies in our Solar System be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A "planet"1 is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
(2) A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape2 , (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects3 except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar-System Bodies".
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1The eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
2An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into either dwarf planet and other categories.
3These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.
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IAU Resolution: Pluto
RESOLUTION 6A
The IAU further resolves:
Pluto is a "dwarf planet" by the above definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.1
A pretty sad day for me, but well, a new knowledge to myself, and a new way to teach the future generation that "WE HAVE 8 PLANETS!".
