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[[File:Pluto.jpg|thumb|Pluto's symbols]] | [[File:Pluto.jpg|thumb|Pluto's symbols]] | ||
'''Pluto''' (minor-planet designation: 134340 Pluto) is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, a ring of bodies beyond the orbit of [[Neptune]]. It was the first and the largest Kuiper belt object to be discovered. After Pluto was discovered in 1930, it was declared to be the ninth planet from the Sun. Beginning in the 1990s, its status as a planet was questioned following the discovery of several objects of similar size in the Kuiper belt and the scattered disc, including the dwarf planet Eris. This led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006 to formally define the term planet—excluding Pluto and reclassifying it as a dwarf planet. | '''Pluto''' (minor-planet designation: 134340 Pluto) is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, a ring of bodies beyond the orbit of [[Neptune]]. It was the first and the largest Kuiper belt object to be discovered. After Pluto was discovered in 1930, it was declared to be the ninth planet from the [[Sun]]. | ||
Beginning in the 1990s, its status as a planet was questioned following the discovery of several objects of similar size in the Kuiper belt and the scattered disc, including the dwarf planet Eris. This led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006 to formally define the term planet—excluding Pluto and reclassifying it as a dwarf planet. | |||
The symbol for Pluto is based on a combination of initials. The “P” represents Pluto the Roman god, and the “L” signifies Lowell, for the Lowell Observatory where it was first to discovered. | The symbol for Pluto is based on a combination of initials. The “P” represents Pluto the Roman god, and the “L” signifies Lowell, for the Lowell Observatory where it was first to discovered. | ||
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Pluto has five known moons: Charon (the largest, with a diameter just over half that of Pluto), Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra. Pluto and Charon are sometimes considered a binary system because the barycenter of their orbits does not lie within either body. | Pluto has five known moons: Charon (the largest, with a diameter just over half that of Pluto), Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra. Pluto and Charon are sometimes considered a binary system because the barycenter of their orbits does not lie within either body. | ||
==Orbit== | |||
Pluto's orbital period is about 248 years. Its orbital characteristics are substantially different from those of the planets, which follow nearly circular orbits around the [[Sun]] close to a flat reference plane called the ecliptic. In contrast, Pluto's orbit is moderately inclined relative to the ecliptic (over 17°) and moderately eccentric (elliptical). This eccentricity means a small region of Pluto's orbit lies closer to the Sun than [[Neptune]]'s. | |||
The Pluto–Charon barycenter came to perihelion on September 5, 1989 and was last closer to the Sun than Neptune between February 7, 1979, and February 11, 1999. | |||
Despite Pluto's orbit appearing to cross that of Neptune when viewed from north or south of the Solar System, the two objects' orbits do not intersect. When Pluto is closest to the Sun, and close to Neptune's orbit as viewed from such a position, it is also the farthest north of Neptune's path. Pluto's orbit passes about 8 AU north of that of Neptune, preventing a collision. | |||
==Human exploration== | ==Human exploration== | ||
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From a mythological standpoint, Pluto was one of the sons of [[Saturn]], who devoured him at birth. This suggests the deeply inward and withdrawn mentality of Pluto. An indeterminate amount of time swilling around a gut is bound to make one withdraw into the inner sanctum of the psyche. And so, there’s a clue as to the depth (and sometimes emotionally disturbing) capacity of Pluto. | From a mythological standpoint, Pluto was one of the sons of [[Saturn]], who devoured him at birth. This suggests the deeply inward and withdrawn mentality of Pluto. An indeterminate amount of time swilling around a gut is bound to make one withdraw into the inner sanctum of the psyche. And so, there’s a clue as to the depth (and sometimes emotionally disturbing) capacity of Pluto. | ||
After stewing in Saturn’s stomach, Pluto (and all his other siblings upon whom Saturn feasted) were rescued by Jupiter who then distributed universal responsibilities amongst the gastric captives. | After stewing in Saturn’s stomach, Pluto (and all his other siblings upon whom Saturn feasted) were rescued by [[Jupiter]] who then distributed universal responsibilities amongst the gastric captives. He made Pluto/ Hades in charge of the underworld. | ||
Pluto manages a domain completely hidden from our common reality and physical sight; yet, there is tremendous activity in this underworld. | |||
[[Category: Planets]] | [[Category: Planets]] | ||