Arizona has declared Pluto its “official state planet” despite it being classified as a dwarf planet nearly two decades ago. The legislation was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, who praised Arizona’s historical role in space discovery. Pluto was discovered in Flagstaff, Arizona, by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 at the Lowell Observatory, making it the only planet discovered in the United States.
State Rep. Justin Wilmeth, who described himself as a “history nerd,” commended the Pluto legislation and the fascinating story of how Tombaugh discovered the planet while analyzing photos taken over time. The International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006 because it did not meet the full definition of a planet. According to the IAU, Pluto’s low gravitational pull prevented it from clearing its neighboring region of other objects like asteroids over time, leading to its classification as a dwarf planet.
While some individuals, like Wilmeth, were indifferent to the reclassification of Pluto, others were not as supportive of Arizona naming a dwarf planet as its official state planet. Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales, one of five senators who voted against the measure, expressed concerns about scientific accuracy and the need for lawmakers to consider scientific information when making decisions. Despite the opposition, the legislation was passed and Pluto became Arizona’s official state planet.
The decision to name Pluto as the official state planet was met with mixed reactions, with some celebrating Arizona’s history in space discovery, while others questioned the scientific accuracy of the decision. Gov. Hobbs avoided directly addressing the debate over Pluto’s planetary status but highlighted Arizona’s role in space exploration. The controversy surrounding Pluto’s classification as a dwarf planet continues to be a topic of discussion among lawmakers and scientists.
The legacy of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto in Flagstaff, Arizona, continues to be celebrated through the naming of Pluto as the state’s official planet. Despite Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet, its discovery remains a significant achievement in the field of astronomy, and Arizona’s ties to this historical event are now recognized through legislation. The debate over Pluto’s planetary status serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge and the need for ongoing discussions about how to categorize objects in space.
Overall, the naming of Pluto as Arizona’s official state planet reflects the state’s pride in its contributions to space exploration and astronomy. While some may question the decision based on scientific definitions, others view it as a tribute to Arizona’s role in the discovery of Pluto. Regardless of Pluto’s official classification, its place in history as one of the most famous objects in the solar system remains secure, and now, it is officially recognized by Arizona as its state planet.
