Pluto is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt discovered in 1930. Pluto, named after the Roman god of the underworld, was downgraded from planet to dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006.
Pluto is a dwarf planet found in the Kuiper belt discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. There were many suggestions for the name of the new planet. It was ultimately named Pluto after a suggestion by an 11 year-old girl named Venetia Burnley. She named the dwarf planet after the Roman god of the underworld. Pluto is the largest dwarf planet in the solar system and the second most massive after Eris. When it was first discovered, Pluto was classified as a planet and remained as such until 2006. In 2006 the International Astronomical Union created an official definition for a planet. As a result, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Pluto has five known moons, the largest known as Charon after the ferryman on the River Styx in mythology. Charon is roughly half the size of the Pluto.
Pluto was first visited by a spacecraft when New Horizons spacecraft flew past the dwarf planet. The mission which was launched in 2006 made a flyby in 2015. During the flyby, the spacecraft sent data back to Earth about Pluto’s geology, as well as photos of the surface of Pluto and its moon, Charon.
Pluto’s rotation is also unlike most of the planets in our solar system. Like Uranus, it rotates on its side. Pluto’s orbit is also very different from the other planets’ orbits; it doesn’t lie in the same orbital plane with the eight planets of our solar system. Pluto's orbit is also moderately eccentric, meaning that for a small part of its orbital path, it is closer to the Sun than Neptune is.
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- Orbital Period: 248 Earth years
- Length of a Day: 153.3 hours
- Diameter: 2370 km
- Distance from the Sun: 5,906,000,000 km
- Strength of Gravity: 0.7 N/kg
- Number of Moons: 5
How Tos about Guide to Pluto
Engage students with Pluto-themed interactive activities
Boost student interest by introducing hands-on projects and games about Pluto. Activities like building a model of the solar system or creating fact cards help students visualize Pluto's place and importance in space.
Facilitate a class discussion on why Pluto is not a planet
Encourage critical thinking by guiding students to explore the reasons Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Use open-ended questions and let students share their opinions, helping them practice respectful debate and research skills.
Integrate Pluto facts into cross-curricular lessons
Connect learning by linking Pluto’s story to subjects like math (calculating distances), art (drawing Pluto), and language arts (writing a Pluto adventure). This approach reinforces knowledge and keeps lessons fresh and meaningful.
Assign a creative writing prompt about visiting Pluto
Spark imagination by asking students to write a story or diary entry as if they visited Pluto. This strengthens writing skills while encouraging them to use facts they’ve learned about Pluto in a fun context.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guide to Pluto
What is Pluto in astronomy?
Pluto is a dwarf planet in our solar system. Once considered the ninth planet, it orbits the Sun in a region called the Kuiper Belt and is known for its icy surface and small size compared to other planets.
Why is Pluto no longer classified as a planet?
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planets. Pluto did not meet all the requirements, especially because it has not cleared its orbit of other objects, so it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
How far is Pluto from the Sun?
Pluto is about 3.7 billion miles (5.9 billion kilometers) away from the Sun on average. Its orbit is much more elliptical and tilted compared to the planets.
What are some interesting facts about Pluto?
Pluto has five known moons, with Charon being the largest. Its surface is made mostly of ice and rock, and a day on Pluto lasts about 6.4 Earth days. It also has a thin, temporary atmosphere that appears when it is closest to the Sun.
What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet like Pluto?
The main difference is that a planet has cleared its orbit of other objects, while a dwarf planet like Pluto shares its orbital path with other bodies in space. Dwarf planets are also generally smaller than the eight main planets.
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