Scientists are planning on demoting Pluto from full-feldged planet to a new classification called dwarf planets. The reason for this is that in the past few years, more objects have been found out beyond Neptune's and Uranus' orbit that are similar size to Pluto and the realization dawned that the Oort cloud that surrounds the solar system and is the source of many comets could house dozens if not hundreds of planets similar to Pluto. By creating this third designation of Dwarf planet (Terrestrial and Gas Giant being the other two we are familiar with) then they can all be recognized without having a huge list of planet names to remember and teach.
In the future, kids might be learning the names of the four terrestrial planets, the four gas giants, and the first found of the dwarf planets, Pluto.
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In the meantime, textbook publishers are gonna cry all the way to the bank.
If you don't mind the promotion, I made memorial page for Pluto -- So Long, Pluto -- where folks can share their fondest memories of our departed planetoid.
If you DO mind the promotion... then, um, I apologize.
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