Part 10/12:
The saga continues into modern times, with Pluto's descent from planet to dwarf planet status serving as a contemporary example of such churn. When Eris was discovered in 2003, it became clear that the population of trans-Neptunian objects could lead to a vast number of planets if not managed carefully. This observation incited the 2006 decision by the International Astronomical Union to demote Pluto, reaffirming that the solar system would maintain only eight official planets.