Pluto loses planet status

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Pluto has lost its status as a planet and been downgraded to "dwarf" status.

Pluto was downgraded after scientists meeting in Prague for the International Astronomical Union's general assembly voted Thursday on a formal definition for the term "planet," the BBC reported.

Astronomers rejected a proposal that would have retained Pluto as a planet and brought three other objects into the cosmic club.

"The eight planets are Mercury, Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune," said the IAU resolution, which was passed following a week of stormy debate.