Pluto: Comet or Planet?

Pluto's no longer considered a planet. Not anymore. And it has been a scientifically accepted understanding for a few years now, yet many people don't seem to know it. The fact that it is half ice has many experts deeming it a comet - too far to show any tail, but a comet nontheless.

Actually, to be more precise, Pluto currently has a dual classification: as a planet and as the first object in what are known as Trans-Neptunian Objects (along with the Kuiper Belt, Scattered disk, and Oort cloud). TNO's are basically considered minor planets.

But if Pluto IS to be considered fully and solely a planet in classification, then other astrological objects should (and probably would) also be considered. Objects such as Ceres, an asteroid that is as much a "minor planet" as pluto, and Charon, known as Pluto's moon, though it's close to the same size as pluto. Our solar system would be extended to twelve planets. Or maybe to 13 or 14, with these recent discoveries (and here), including an object three times as large as pluto.

Though nothing is quite set in stone yet, I'm sure decisions will be made when the International Astronomical Union gets together in Prague in August 2006.