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Pluto: A Dwarf Planet in Our Solar System
Pluto is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper belt, a region of icy bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, but in 2006, the International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet.
Key Facts About Pluto
- Size: Pluto is much smaller than the eight planets in our solar system. It's about two-thirds the size of Earth's moon.
- Distance from the Sun: Pluto is very far from the sun, taking about 248 Earth years to complete one orbit.
- Temperature: Pluto is extremely cold, with an average temperature of about -375 degrees Fahrenheit (-225 degrees Celsius).
- Composition: Pluto is made up mostly of rock and ice, including nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide ice.
- Moons: Pluto has five known moons: Charon, Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra.
Why is Pluto a Dwarf Planet?
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defined a planet as a celestial body that orbits the sun, is massive enough for its own gravity to make it round, and has cleared its neighborhood of other objects. Pluto did not meet the third criterion, as it shares its orbital space with many other icy bodies in the Kuiper belt.
Exploring Pluto
In 2015, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft became the first spacecraft to fly by Pluto. The mission provided stunning images and data, revealing a diverse and fascinating world. New Horizons discovered mountains, plains, glaciers, and evidence of past volcanic activity on Pluto.
Pluto in Popular Culture
Pluto has captured the imagination of people around the world. It has been featured in numerous books, movies, and television shows. The Disney character Pluto, a dog, is named after the dwarf planet.
Learning More About Pluto
There are many resources available to learn more about Pluto, including websites, books, and documentaries. You can also visit a planetarium or observatory to see Pluto through a telescope.
Conclusion
Pluto is a fascinating dwarf planet that continues to intrigue scientists and the public alike. Despite its reclassification, Pluto remains a significant object in our solar system, offering valuable insights into the early history of our planet.