Dwarf planet be discovered, and the number of planets would start growing quickly if Pluto were to remain a planet. Eris (then known as ) was discovered in January 2005; it was thought to be slightly larger than Pluto, and some reports informally referred to it as the "tenth planet". As a consequence, the issue became a matter of intense debate during the IAU General Assembly in August 2006. The IAU's initial draft proposal included Charon, Eris, and Ceres in the list of planets. After many astronomers objected to this proposal, an alternative was drawn up by the Uruguayan astronomers Julio Ángel
Eris (dwarf planet) decide the issue. This was announced as the IAU's "Definition of a Planet in the Solar System," adopted on 24 August 2006. At this time, both Eris and Pluto were classified as "dwarf planets," a category distinct from the new definition of "planet." Brown has since stated his approval of this classification. The IAU subsequently added Eris to its Minor Planet Catalogue, designating it "(136199) Eris." Eris has an orbital period of 558 years. Its maximum possible distance from the Sun (aphelion) is 97.65 AU, and its closest (perihelion) is 37.91 AU. It came to perihelion between 1698 and 1699,