Pluto Day is an annual celebration held on February 18 to commemorate the discovery of Pluto in 1930 by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. This day serves as a reminder of humanity’s quest for knowledge about the universe and the ongoing exploration of space.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 18
- Tagged as: Pluto Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #PlutoDay
- When was it founded?: February 18, 1930
- Who founded it?: Clyde Tombaugh
History
Pluto Day marks the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. The search for Pluto began in the late 19th century, driven by Percival Lowell’s predictions of a ninth planet due to irregularities in Uranus’s orbit. After years of searching, Tombaugh successfully identified Pluto, which was initially classified as the ninth planet in our solar system. However, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined what constitutes a planet, leading to Pluto’s reclassification as a “dwarf planet.”
Timeline
- February 4, 1906: Birth of Clyde Tombaugh
- February 18, 1930: Discovery of Pluto
- August 24, 2006: Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet
- July 14, 2015: NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flies by Pluto
- February 18, annually: Celebration of Pluto Day
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 18 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 18 | Sunday |
| 2030 | February 18 | Monday |
Observed
Pluto Day is observed through various activities including educational events, discussions about astronomy, and community gatherings. Planetariums often host special programs to celebrate this occasion.
Fun Facts About Pluto
- Pluto is smaller than Earth’s Moon.
- It has five known moons, with Charon being the largest.
- A year on Pluto lasts about 248 Earth years.
- Temperatures on Pluto can drop to -238°C (-396°F).
- The name “Pluto” was suggested by an eleven-year-old girl named Venetia Burney.
Quiz
- Who discovered Pluto?
- What year was Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet?
- How many moons does Pluto have?
- What is the average temperature on Pluto?
Answers:
- Clyde Tombaugh
- 2006
- Five
- -238°C (-396°F)
FAQs
What is Pluto Day?
Pluto Day celebrates the discovery of Pluto and raises awareness about astronomy.
Why was Pluto reclassified?
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined “planet,” excluding Pluto due to its inability to clear its orbit.
How can I celebrate Pluto Day?
You can celebrate by learning about astronomy, visiting a planetarium, or watching documentaries about space.
Related
- National Astronomy Day
- International Space Day
- World Space Week