Question

Which one of the following planets lost its planet status recently?

• A. Moon
• B. Neptune
• C. Pluto
• D. Saturn

Hint:

Think about the 2006 decision that created a new category called dwarf planet.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question is about a body that was once officially called a planet but later got reclassified.

1. Moon: The Moon is Earth's natural satellite, not an independent planet, so it was never in the group of planets to begin with.
2. Neptune: Neptune is still one of the eight recognised planets in the solar system and its status has never changed.
3. Pluto: In 2006, the International Astronomical Union set a new definition of a planet, and Pluto failed to meet the rule about clearing its orbital neighbourhood, so it was moved to the new category of dwarf planet.
4. Saturn: Saturn remains a full planet and one of the gas giants, with no change to its classification.

So option C is correct: Pluto is the one that lost its planet status.

Let's summarize:

• In 2006, the IAU created a formal definition of a planet.
• Pluto did not clear its orbit of other objects, so it failed the test.
• Pluto is now classed as a dwarf planet, not a full planet.

This 2006 decision is one of the most commonly asked facts in astronomy GK.