Jun 13th, 2008 · Bodies like Pluto — which was demoted from being a planet — will now be called Plutoids in its honor. Plutoids are certain distant bodies too small for full planet status. That "oid" construction may be useful elsewhere.
Aug 16th, 2007 · A year ago this month, Pluto lost its status as a planet: The International Astronomical Union modified the definition of the term, and Pluto didn't qualify anymore. The demotion captured the imagination of some musicians, including One Ring Zero and Clare and the Reasons.
Dec 29th, 2006 · This year, science stories made headlines: Pluto was bumped from the planetary line-up. Google bought YouTube. Evidence grew for global warming. New York City declared war on trans fats and breast cancer rates dropped.
Sep 10th, 2006 · Gustav Holst's iconic work "The Planets" was finished before Pluto was spotted. Six years ago, British composer Colin Matthews wrote "Pluto, the Renewer" to round out the set. Now that Pluto has been bounced from the planetary club, what becomes of Matthews' star-crossed composition?
Aug 30th, 2006 · Commentator Frank Deford sees a parallel between the downgrading of Pluto to a dwarf planet and relegating sports teams to dwarf teams.
Aug 28th, 2006 · Pluto is no longer a planet? So what about music written for the planet Pluto? Performance Today gets a quick update from NPR science reporter David Kestenbaum, then plays music for a planet not likely to be voted out of the solar system: Jupiter, from "The Planets," by Gustav Holst.
Aug 25th, 2006 · Pluto's demotion from planet to dwarf-planet could lead to changes for the predictions that some astrologers make.
Aug 24th, 2006 · The world's astronomers finally voted today on the highly controversial issue of how to define a planet. The official definition means Pluto is no longer a planet. NPR's David Kestenbaum reports on the pandemonium in the convention halls of Prague, where the astronomers are meeting.