Debunked Myths

For 76 years, Pluto held the prestigious title of our solar system's ninth planet. Discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, it was named after the Roman god of the underworld and captured the public's imagination. Children memorized 'My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas' to remember the planets in order. But in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined what it means to be a planet, requiring three criteria: orbiting the Sun, being spherical, and clearing its orbital path of other debris. Pluto failed the third test—its orbit overlaps with Neptune's and is cluttered with other Kuiper Belt objects.

This demotion sparked fierce debate and emotional reactions worldwide. People felt attached to Pluto, even holding mock funerals and protests. The decision highlighted how science evolves with better technology and understanding. New Horizons' 2015 flyby revealed Pluto's stunning complexity: nitrogen ice plains, towering mountains, and a heart-shaped region that reignited public fascination.

While no longer officially a planet, Pluto remains a beloved celestial body, reminding us that scientific classification doesn't diminish wonder. The controversy also revealed something deeper: our emotional connection to the cosmos and how changes in scientific understanding can feel personal, even when they're simply about refining our knowledge of the universe.