MSNBC: The controversy over whether Pluto is really a planet reached a new milestone today, as a committee of the International Astronomical Union released a copy of report recommending a new class of planets for the solar system. Unlike predictions made last week astronomers will not call this new classification dwarf planets, but plutons instead, to highlight Pluto’s special position in this new classification. Under the new classification, which can basically be described as round objects that orbit the sun, more than 40 other objects in the solar system could be classed as Plutons. Astronomers will vote on the proposal on the 25 August. It is unknown whether the IAU has enough votes to pass the measure. Pluto’s New Place in Space Could Be as a ‘Pluton’ The Washington PostFor Now, Pluto Holds Its Place in Solar System The New York TimesAstronomers May Add Planets to Solar System NPR
The finding that the Saturnian moon may host layers of icy slush instead of a global ocean could change how planetary scientists think about other icy moons as well.
Modeling the shapes of tree branches, neurons, and blood vessels is a thorny problem, but researchers have just discovered that much of the math has already been done.
January 29, 2026 12:52 PM
Get PT in your inbox
PT The Week in Physics
A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.
One email per week
PT New Issue Alert
Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.
One email per month
PT Webinars & White Papers
The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.