Arizona Defies Science by Declaring Pluto its State Planet
In a controversial move, Arizona has declared Pluto as its official state planet, despite the fact that it was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union in 2006. Governor Katie Hobbs signed the legislation on March 29, choosing to ignore questions about Pluto’s planetary status.
The decision to honor Pluto in this way has deep roots in Arizona, as it is the state where astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the distant celestial body in 1930. State Representative Justin Wilmeth praised the legislation, calling Tombaugh’s story “amazing.”
However, not everyone is on board with Arizona’s decision. Senator Sally Ann Gonzales opposes the measure, citing the scientific consensus that led to Pluto’s reclassification. The International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the full definition of a planet because it failed to clear its orbit.
Despite its controversial status, Pluto still holds a special place in the hearts of many. NASA’s Science website notes that there was widespread outrage over the reclassification of Pluto, and memes about the dwarf planet’s feelings are still popular online.
Interest in Pluto was renewed in 2015 when images from the New Horizons spacecraft revealed a heart-shaped feature on its surface. This discovery has sparked new discussions about the possibility of sending another spacecraft to visit the tiny world.
As Arizona proudly declares Pluto as its state planet, the debate over its planetary status continues to rage on. Whether or not Pluto will ever regain its former planetary glory remains to be seen.
