Pluto Facts For Kids
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Pluto, known as the dwarf planet, is located in the outermost region of our solar system. It has been a fascinating topic of discussion among space enthusiasts and researchers for decades now. This article presents some intriguing facts about Pluto that kids would love to know.
1. Size and Distance: Pluto is one of the smallest planets in our solar system, with a diameter of just 2,377 kilometers. It is also situated far away from the sun, at a distance of about 5.5 billion kilometers.
2. Discovery: Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. It was named after the Roman god of the underworld, Pluto.
3. Temperature: Due to its distance from the sun, Pluto is extremely cold. The average temperature on its surface is around -229°C.
4. Moon: Pluto has a moon called Charon, which is almost half its size. It was discovered in 1978 by James Christy.
5. Seasons: Pluto has long seasons that last for decades. Due to its tilted axis, the dwarf planet experiences extreme temperature changes during its orbit.
6. Composition: Pluto is primarily made of rock and ice, with a small percentage of methane and nitrogen.
7. Not a Planet: In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a “dwarf planet” rather than a full-fledged planet. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some astronomers contesting the decision.
8. Pluto’s Atmosphere: Although very thin, Pluto has a faint atmosphere made of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. It expands and contracts with the planet’s orbit, depending on its distance from the sun.
9. Colour: Pluto’s surface is a reddish-brown color, possibly due to the presence of tholins, complex organic molecules.
10. New Horizons: In 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto and captured stunning images of its surface. Scientists learned a lot about the dwarf planet’s geology, atmosphere, and composition from the flyby.
In conclusion, Pluto is a fascinating object in our solar system with many unique characteristics. Although it may no longer be classified as one of the “official” planets, it is still a noteworthy body in our vast universe.