In August 2006, The International Astronomical Union voted to remove Pluto's status as a planet. It is now classed as a “Dwarf Planet”, and due to its position in the solar system, is also classed as a Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO). Although this is a step in the right direction, the meaning of “Planet” is still in wild disarray, with the classification arbitrarily including four more unremarkable objects, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. We advocate that these so-called planets be stripped of their titles, and be properly classified as dwarf planets. Due to their position in the solar system, these bodies (along with most asteroids) would be classed as Cis-Jovian Objects (CJOs).

The Sun has four true planets, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Orbiting closer to the sun than the closest planet, Jupiter, are the Cis-Jovian objects. Orbiting further away from the sun than the furthest planet, Neptune, are the Trans-Neptunian Objects. (There are also some minor bodies, such as Chiron, which orbit between Jupiter and Neptune.)

The CJOs – like the TNOs – are not proper planets, simply because they are of insignificant size. They are essentially debris remaining from the formation of the solar system. Even the lightest planet, Uranus, is over seven times heavier than all the CJOs combined, whilst Jupiter is 160 times heavier. In fact, Jupiter has weather systems which dwarf any of the CJOs.

Another important distinction between the CJOs and the real planets, is the presence of rings and moons. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have ring systems (Saturn's being the most impressive), whilst the CJOs have nothing. Similarly, the true planets have vast suites of moons, whilst Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars have only three between them.

Demote Earth lobbies for the widespread adoption of a meaningful definition for what is and what isn't a planet. Whilst we campaign for the the demotion of all the Cis-Jovian objects, almost all of our effort is directed against the fervent opposition to the demotion of Earth. This opposition is completely irrational, and in the main part is driven by small-minded parochialism. People want to retain Earth's status of a planet, simply because it is where they live. This reasoning is completely arbitrary, and is not backed up by any reasonable scientific principle.

Demote Earth aims to overcome this pettiness, and to provide the word “planet” with a meaningful definition. We aim to do this is two ways: Firstly, we need to gain the support of scientific institutions. The most important of these is the International Astronomical Union, the overarching organisation of astronomers and space scientists, which has the final say in the naming and classification of celestial objects. Secondly, we need to raise awareness with the general public.

You can help by petitioning the International Astronomical Union. You can also help by informing others of the issue, and telling them about Demote Earth.

If you frequent online discussion forums, a simple and effective way to attract attention is to use one of our avatars. These are presented as 100x100 animated GIFs, and are under 40KB in size.

We appreciate your help. Remember, the solar system is counting on you...