Pluto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Pluto
[ˈpluː.təʊ ]
Definitions
dwarf planet
Pluto is a dwarf planet located in the outer regions of the solar system. It was originally classified as the ninth planet from the Sun, but in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined it as a dwarf planet. Pluto is known for its eccentric orbit and small size compared to the other planets.
Synonyms
dwarf planet, minor planet.
Examples of usage
- Pluto was discovered in 1930 by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh.
- Many people grew up learning that Pluto was the ninth planet in our solar system.
cartoon character
Pluto is a popular cartoon character created by Walt Disney Productions. He is Mickey Mouse's pet dog and is known for his loyalty and mischievous behavior.
Synonyms
Disney character, dog character.
Examples of usage
- Pluto first appeared in the cartoon 'The Chain Gang' in 1930.
- Kids love watching Mickey Mouse and his faithful companion, Pluto.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, its name comes from the Roman god of the underworld.
- Pluto was classified as a planet until 2006 when scientists redefined what it means to be a planet, leading to its new status.
Astronomy
- It's primarily made of ice and rock, with a very thin atmosphere mainly of nitrogen.
- Pluto takes about 248 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun, so each season there lasts about 60 years.
Pop Culture
- Pluto is also the name of a beloved Disney character, Mickey Mouse's pet dog, symbolizing loyalty and playfulness.
- Many movies and shows have referenced Pluto, showcasing its status as a symbol of mystery and exploration.
Literature
- The concept of Pluto has appeared in works ranging from poetry to science fiction, often symbolizing the unknown or the underworld.
- In 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' there's playful commentary on the solar system, including Pluto's status as a planet.
Science
- NASA's New Horizons mission, launched in 2006, provided the first close-up images of Pluto in 2015, revealing its complex surface.
- Pluto has five known moons, with Charon being the largest and the most interesting due to its size and distance from Pluto.
Origin of 'Pluto'
The name 'Pluto' was proposed by an 11-year-old girl named Venetia Burney in 1930. She suggested the name to her grandfather, who was a librarian at the time and passed it along to the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, where the discovery of the planet was announced. Pluto was named after the Roman god of the underworld, and it was considered a fitting name for a distant and cold planet at the edge of the solar system.
See also: plutocrat.