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Pluto Features Given First Official Names
Pluto, the dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, has been a topic of fascination for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. In 2015, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto and captured stunning images of its surface. Now, two years later, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has given official names to some of Pluto's most prominent features. Let's take a closer look at these newly named features and what they tell us about Pluto.
The IAU's Naming Process
Before we dive into the specific names given to Pluto's features, it's important to understand how the IAU goes about naming celestial bodies. The IAU is responsible for assigning official names to all astronomical objects, including planets, moons, and asteroids. The process involves a committee that reviews proposals from scientists and members of the public. The committee then selects names based on certain criteria, such as cultural significance or historical relevance.
The Newly Named Features
The IAU has given official names to fourteen features on Pluto's surface. These features include mountains, valleys, and plains. Here are some of the most notable:
Tenzing Montes and Hillary Montes
These two mountain ranges are named after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Sputnik Planitia
This large plain is named after the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.
Burney Crater
This crater is named after Venetia Burney, who as an eleven-year-old schoolgirl suggested the name "Pluto" for the newly discovered planet in 1930.
What These Names Tell Us About Pluto
The names given to these features on Pluto's surface provide insight into how we view this distant world. By naming mountains after famous climbers and plains after historic events, we are able to connect with Pluto on a more personal level. It also highlights the importance of exploration and discovery in human history.
The Future of Pluto Exploration
While we may have named some of Pluto's features, there is still much to learn about this dwarf planet. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft is currently on its way to explore another object in the Kuiper Belt, providing us with even more information about this mysterious region of our solar system.
Conclusion
The official naming of Pluto's features is an exciting development in our understanding of this distant world. By connecting these features to human history and exploration, we are able to appreciate the significance of space exploration and the importance of continued discovery.
FAQs
What is the Kuiper Belt?
The Kuiper Belt is a region of our solar system beyond Neptune that contains many small, icy objects, including dwarf planets like Pluto.
Why was Pluto demoted from planet status?
In 2006, the IAU redefined what constitutes a planet, leading to Pluto being reclassified as a "dwarf planet."
How long did it take for New Horizons to reach Pluto?
New Horizons launched in 2006 and reached Pluto in 2015, taking nine and a half years to make the journey.
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