This page describes an image Pluto: The Long Journey Around the Sun
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This infographic is part of the "Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers" project, aiming to present fascinating facts about the dwarf planet Pluto and its long journey around the Sun.
Pluto: The Mysterious Dwarf Planet
Pluto is a dwarf planet that orbits the Sun within the Kuiper Belt, a region filled with icy and rocky objects beyond Neptune’s orbit. It was first discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. For decades, Pluto was classified as the ninth planet in the Solar System, but in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planets, placing Pluto in the dwarf planet category.
A Very Long Orbital Journey
Pluto takes 248 Earth years to complete a single orbit around the Sun! Since its discovery in 1930, it has not yet completed one full revolution. However, it will finally complete its first full orbit since its discovery on March 23, 2178. This means that future generations will witness this rare astronomical event.
Pluto’s Unique Characteristics
It has an average distance of 5.9 billion kilometers from the Sun.
Pluto has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.
It has five moons, the largest of which is Charon, forming a binary system with Pluto.
Its surface is covered in ice, with vast nitrogen plains, such as the famous Tombaugh Region.
Why Is Studying Pluto Important?
Despite being classified as a dwarf planet, Pluto remains one of the most intriguing objects in the Solar System. NASA’s New Horizons mission (2015) provided breathtaking details about Pluto, helping scientists better understand its composition and history.
Pluto is not just a distant dwarf planet; it serves as a window into the early formation of the Solar System. As research continues, this small world may reveal astonishing secrets about the origins of our planetary system and the universe itself.
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Image credit:
Ali Al-Edhari
Related glossary terms:
Dwarf Planet
, Kuiper Belt
, Pluto
Categories:
Solar System
Image license: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) icons
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