A fifth dwarf planet has now been recognized: Haumea. Another Kuiper Belt object, Haumea (neé 2003 EL61) is of similar size and location to recent inductee Makemake.

( more about Haumea )

First, some news. Somewhat obscure news, as I haven't seen the story at any major news outlets*. The number of dwarf planets in the Solar System has increased to four. The list now consists of Ceres, Pluto, Eris, and Makemake. It wasn't that a new body was recently discovered; Makemake (née 2005 FY9) was discovered over three years ago. ( Read more... )