The Final IAU Resolution on the definition of “planet” ready for voting

Following active discussion among IAU scientists at the IAU 2006 General Assembly in Prague, draft Resolution 6b (issued 16 August 2006) has been updated and amended.

IAU President Ron Ekers says: “IAU’s rules for proposing resolutions are based on an open democratic process and it is a great pleasure for the IAU Executive Committee to see the level of engagement of so many astronomers here. We want to engage as broad a part of the IAU community as possible in the decision-making process to give this Resolution the best chance to be passed.”

Below are the full texts of “IAU Resolution 5a for GA-XXVI”, “IAU Resolution 5b for GA-XXVI” and “IAU Resolution 6a for GA-XXVI” and “IAU Resolution 6b for GA-XXVI”.

The voting on these Resolutions is expected to end today (Thursday 24 August 2006) between 15:30 and 16:00 CEST. This is a rough estimate.

According to the revised Statutes approved at the First Session of the General Assembly last week, scientific issues such as Resolutions are decided by majority of those IAU members present and voting at the business meeting. Thus the scientific resolutions, including those on the definition of solar system bodies, will be presented and decided by voting of the individual members. Yellow ballots will be handed out to all IAU members at the entrance. Members will vote by raising these ballots in the air; the number of raised ballots will be counted. The result of the vote should be known shortly thereafter and will be communicated in a public statement.