Have you noticed how the sun has taken to sleeping in lately? He was an early riser just a few weeks ago - peeking over the eastern hills every morning, shining brightly before seven. But now, he doesn't even make an effort to break through the clouds or appear until after nine. I think the change in behavior has something to do with the hubbub over planets in Prague.

Next week, prominent astronomers will vote on a proposal that would promote three heavenly bodies - Ceres, Charon and 2003 UB313 (nicknamed Xena) - to the status of planets. While the possible change in classification is producing anxiety for textbook publishers, teachers and astrologers, can you imagine the stress it's creating for the center of the solar system?

All this time, he's thinking he only has nine kids to look after - making sure they stay in their orbits and out of trouble with comets and asteroids (those rowdy neighborhood punks) - and then some pesky astronomers come along and declare that, based on "size and roundness", three of those troublemakers are actually part of his brood, too. Well, that type of news would come as a shock to anyone and cause even the largest star to sleep in and hide behind the clouds.