On this day in space! Aug. 24, 2006: Pluto loses its planet status

The International Astronomical Union formally declared Pluto to no longer be classified as a planet on August 24th, 2006. This historic decision was made during a meeting held at the General Assembly of the IAU in Prague, Czech Republic. The IAU established new criteria for celestial bodies, specifically defining a "dwarf planet." These criteria included orbiting the Sun and having sufficient mass for its own gravity to pull it into a nearly round shape. Consequently, Pluto failed to meet these three requirements, leading to its reclassification. Scientists acknowledged this change after extensive debate and discussion regarding Pluto’s characteristics.