By Jasreet Kaur01, Oct 2024 04:00 PMjagranjosh.com
Top facts
Pluto is a small icy world far from the Sun. It used to be called a planet, but now it’s known as a dwarf planet. Tap to read more.
Dwarf Planet Classification
Pluto was downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006 after the discovery of other similar-sized objects in its vicinity, like Eris.
Extreme Distance
Pluto is located about 5.9 billion kilometers away from the Sun. Its distance means it takes 248 Earth years to complete one full orbit.
Elliptical Orbit
Pluto's orbit is highly elliptical, meaning it can come closer to the Sun than Neptune for a period during its orbit, making it unique among planets.
Pluto's Moon System
Pluto has five moons, with Charon being the largest. Charon's size, half that of Pluto, creates a binary system where both bodies orbit a common point.
Icy and Rocky Composition
Pluto is made of a mix of rock and ice. Its surface consists of frozen nitrogen, methane, and water, with mountains likely made of water ice.
Seasonal Atmosphere
Pluto has a thin atmosphere of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide, which expands when it’s closer to the Sun and freezes back onto the surface when it moves away.