How many planets are in our solar system?

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The solar system is officially known to contain eight planets. This classification includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The distinction of having eight planets is based on the criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which defines a planet as a celestial body that orbits the Sun, is spherical by its own gravity, and has cleared its orbital path of other debris.

Prior to 2006, Pluto was considered the ninth planet, but it was reclassified as a "dwarf planet" due to its inability to clear its orbital neighborhood. This redefinition is a critical aspect of understanding the current count of planets in the solar system.

The other options suggest a higher number of planets but are not aligned with the current astronomical consensus, therefore making them inaccurate in this context.

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