Our solar system has two new members, and one prodigal son.

The International Astronomy Union (IAU) finally decided what constitutes a planet and reaffirmed that Pluto belongs as one. In doing so, three other bodies in our system have been elevated to planetary status: Pluto’s moon Charon, a previous asteroid named Ceres, and the nicknamed “Xena” (2003 UB313).

All the new planets combined with Pluto have their own classification: Plutons. I guess they are Planet-lites. This ends the debate (for now) over whether Pluto should be known and taught as a planet. And it firmly cements Mickey’s dog.

More info from Guardian Unlimited…

edit: apparently I spoke too soon. Not only was this proposal struck down (I had thought it was already apporved but in the final stages of being initiated) but now Pluto is technically no longer a planet. it is now classified as a dwarf planet along with the 3 others mentioned above.