Will Pluto ever retrieve its “planet” title again?

Question

Most of us know that Pluto was demoted as a planet. But what is the likelihood that Pluto can regain its planet status again?

Answer 1

Not unless the Astronomical body that defines what planets are changes the requirements to be a planet.The IAU rules are:

The IAU therefore resolves that “planets” and other bodies in our Solar System be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:

(1) A “planet”1 is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.

(2) A “dwarf planet” is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape2 , (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.

(3) All other objects3 except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as “Small Solar-System Bodies”.

1The eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

2An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into either dwarf planet and other categories.

3These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_redefinition_of_planet

Answer 2

I doubt it. When astronomers founded the planet Xena and discovered that it was larger then pluto they had to choices. Declare Xena a planet, or eliminate Plutos planet title. So sorry to say but i doubt that Pluto will ever be a planet again, unless they start giving all solid sphere masses planets.

Answer 3

Chances are zero unless the IAU decides to change to definition of planet. If Pluto is named a planet, then Ceres and Eris will have to be named planets as well.

Answer 4

Can't do it. If we make Pluto a planet, that means there's 22 other planets we need to learn the names of, and we simply don't have time.

Answer 5

If it somehow gains a bit more mass (like a giant gas atmosphere) and stops orbiting the sun in a tipped over oval shape, whilst not getting in the way of Neptune then yes.

Answer 6

The International Astronomers union is getting ready to revote their decition . No present time is set yet though .

Answer 7

I'd say it's a 1-in-a-million chance. Of course, 1-in-a-million chances seem to happen about half the time...