You'll Always Be A Planet To Me, Pluto

In the vast expanse of our solar system, Pluto once held the esteemed title of the ninth planet. In fact, it was some people’s favorite planet. To some, it will always be the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in a decision that sparked both scientific debate and public interest, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined Pluto's classification in 2006, downgrading it to a dwarf planet.

Pluto, named after the Roman god of the underworld, was discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. For nearly seven decades, it was widely considered the ninth planet in our solar system. However, advancements in telescopic technology and an increasing understanding of celestial bodies led to a reevaluation of Pluto's status.

In 2006, during the 26th General Assembly of the IAU, a new definition of a planet was adopted. According to the IAU's criteria, a planet must orbit the Sun, be spherical in shape, and have cleared its orbit of other debris. Pluto met the first two criteria but failed the third, as it shares its orbit with other icy objects in the Kuiper Belt. It is very cold in the Kuiper belt, and Pluto’s average temperature is about -375 fahrenheit (or -225 degrees Celsius.)

The IAU's decision to reclassify Pluto stirred significant controversy and ignited a passionate debate among scientists, astronomers, and the public. Some argued that the new definition rendered the term "planet" too exclusive, while others contended that it was necessary for clarity and scientific precision. Some of the reasons people have become upset or remain upset with Pluto’s declassification can be somewhat explained like this:

Many people grew up being taught that Pluto was the ninth planet in our solar system and developed an emotional attachment to the idea. Once it was declassified a strong cause of upset was due to nostalgia. Also, it could be considered confusing as to why the classification of a planet changed. Some found it to be arbitrary.

Others found the change to be inconsistent with the history of the planet and that it had been considered a planet since 1930. Some argued that changing its status undermined the stability and integrity of scientific classification systems.

Proponents of the decision believed that reclassifying Pluto would lead to a better understanding of the solar system and promote consistent categorization of celestial bodies. By introducing the term "dwarf planet," the IAU recognized Pluto's unique characteristics while acknowledging that it did not meet the criteria to be classified as a full-fledged planet.

Pluto's reclassification also highlighted the significance of the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune populated by countless icy bodies. By identifying Pluto as a member of the Kuiper Belt, scientists gained valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. However, some argue still that Pluto possesses unique characteristics that differentiate it from other dwarf planets, including its complex atmosphere, distinct geological features, and a moon named Charon, which orbits around a common center of mass, along with Pluto.

Despite the controversy surrounding its declassification, Pluto has not been forgotten. In 2015, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft conducted a historic flyby of Pluto, capturing stunning images and data about its surface, atmosphere, and moons. The mission revealed a complex world with mountains, plains, and even evidence of possible subsurface oceans.

Pluto's declassification as a planet sparked a spirited debate within the scientific community and ignited public curiosity about our understanding of the cosmos. While no longer a planet, Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet has led to exciting discoveries and increased our knowledge of the Kuiper Belt, expanding our comprehension of the vast and mysterious universe.