Pluto Out. Neptune Next?

When will the madness stop?

From Scotland on Sunday:

THE solar system's biggest planets are at risk of being stripped of their status after the world's top astronomers voted to downgrade Pluto into the dwarf planet category.

Experts claim that the definition for planets adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) could also see Neptune downgraded.
...
But critics claim that the IAU vote, which was passed by a majority, should be abandoned as only around 400 of the union's 10,000 members took part in the vote in Prague last week.

Martin Hendry, a senior lecturer in astronomy at Glasgow University and member of the IAU, said: "Unless the science underlying this is rigorous, how can we expect to agree on a definition that will be not only understood by ourselves, but other forms of life if and when we encounter them?"

Planetologists have now started a campaign to have Pluto reinstated.

Astronomers leading the Nasa New Horizons mission that will explore the distant regions of the solar system including Pluto, described last week's decision as "muddled".

Harold Weaver, from the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and a New Horizons project scientist, said: "Since many 'Plutinos', including Pluto, cross Neptune's orbit, I'd say Neptune's neighbourhood still needs some clearing."

Only 4% voted? And Neptune might be out next? Say it ain't so, astronomers. Say it ain't so!