Originally classified as a planet, Pluto is now considered the largest member of a distinct population known a the Kuiper belt.
In the late 20th and early 21st century, many object similar to Pluto were discovered in the outer Solar System, which were comparable to or more massive than Pluto.
On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) defined what it means to be a "planet" within the Solar System . This definition excluded Pluto as a planet and added it a a member of the new category "dwarf planet" along with Eri and Ceres. After the reclassification, Pluto wa added to the list of minor planets and given the number 134340. A number of scientist continue to hold that Pluto should be classified as a planet.
And if by dead you meant destroyed then : No it hasnt been destroyed.
The New Horizons spacecraft i expected to arrive there around 2015.
Btw, i like your childs Questioning attitude. One should never stop till they get a desirable answer!
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