1
$\begingroup$

When the set of official dwarf planets is expected to increase or new bodies considered for inclusion?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ By the way, this question was listed as "low quality" in the review queue. Does anyone know why? $\endgroup$
    – HDE 226868 ♦
    Oct 7, 2014 at 1:16
  • $\begingroup$ I'm not sure what you mean by "set". Do you mean the number of dwarf planets? I expect the number will increase every time a new dwarf planet is found. $\endgroup$
    – LDC3
    Oct 7, 2014 at 5:01

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

As I noted in a previous answer, the official body for naming and classification of astronomical objects is the International Astronomical Union, or IAU. They are the ones responsible for designating bodies as "planets," "dwarf planets," etc. The scientific community recognizes them and their decisions as "official."

The IAU meets periodically for General Assemblies to discuss general issue; the next such meeting is scheduled for 2015. The topics discussed may range widely, covering all sub-fields of astronomy. Unfortunately, I don't know the exact topics for discussion, and while I imagine there will be a wide range, issues relating to dwarf planets may not be covered. However, the IAU does meet in between these meetings to discuss a variet of topics.

That might answer your question, but if you're talking about the possible discovery of dwarf-planet-like bodies, I can't help you. There are probably many on-going efforts to search for small bodies within our solar system, but I don't know of any recent discoveries of possible dwarf planet candidates.

I hope this helps.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Can a body be promoted to a dwarf planet without the General Assembly? $\endgroup$
    – Anixx
    Oct 6, 2014 at 23:15
  • $\begingroup$ @Anixx Perhaps in the minds of some people, but the IAU is the only organization currently recognized that can give official designations. $\endgroup$
    – HDE 226868 ♦
    Oct 6, 2014 at 23:25
  • $\begingroup$ does not IAU work between General Assemblies? $\endgroup$
    – Anixx
    Oct 7, 2014 at 6:11
  • $\begingroup$ @Anixx Yes, they do. General Assemblies are only the major meetings. Edit coming. $\endgroup$
    – HDE 226868 ♦
    Oct 7, 2014 at 14:55

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .