Pluto, the once-beloved ninth planet of our solar system, has regained its planetary status, but this time in a rather unexpected place – Arizona. On March 29th, Governor Katie Hobbs signed into law a bill declaring Pluto as the official state planet of Arizona. While the debate over whether Pluto should be considered a planet or a minor planet rages on, it seems that the decision was primarily driven by the historical significance of Pluto’s discovery at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Pluto’s discovery in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory holds great significance for the state of Arizona. The observatory, dating back to 1894, has been a hub of astronomical discoveries and research. Moreover, the nearby United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS) played a crucial role in identifying Pluto’s moon, Charon. The intertwined history of Arizona and Pluto’s discovery makes a strong case for designating it as the state’s ‘astronomical object.’
However, the question of whether Pluto should be referred to as a planet or a minor planet has sparked varied reactions among lawmakers and the governor herself. Governor Hobbs chose to avoid taking a stance on this issue, instead highlighting Arizona’s pioneering work in space discovery. For some, the historical value of recognizing Tombaugh’s discovery outweighs the current scientific definition of a planet.
Nevertheless, not all representatives were in favor of the legislation. Five out of Arizona’s 60 state representatives voted against the bill, citing concerns that it did not align with the current understanding of what constitutes a planet. Others argued that the legislature had more pressing matters to attend to. Senator Anthony Kern humorously expressed his opposition by stating, “I did not want to discriminate against those who wanted Mars, Venus, Jupiter, or everyone’s favorite, Uranus.”
One significant point raised by critics of Pluto’s planetary status is its failure to clear its orbit of other objects. This was one of the main reasons behind Pluto’s demotion from planet to minor planet. However, Patricia Tombaugh, Clyde Tombaugh’s widow, believes that her husband would have understood and accepted this decision. She noted that the discovery of other Kuiper Belt objects, some larger than Pluto itself, would have made him recognize the complexities of the matter.
Pluto’s resurgence as a planetary object in Arizona may seem trivial to some, but it serves as a reminder of the state’s rich astronomical heritage and contributions to space exploration. Whether Pluto is officially recognized as a planet or not, its connection to Arizona remains strong. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of our universe, it is important to remember the pioneers like Clyde Tombaugh and the role they played in expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.
