Hey, let's talk about Pluto! – The NAU Review

Shae Raposa is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Astronomy & Planetary Science; she studies volatile materials on Pluto and other outer solar system bodies. In honor of Pluto’s birthday, The NAU Review asked her to share her favorite facts about this mysterious celestial body and discuss her research.Pluto was discovered on Feb. 18, 1930. Since that day, we have learned an extraordinary amount about the dwarf planet. In honor of the 92nd anniversary of the discovery date, here’s 10 facts about Pluto: Pluto was discovered right here in Flagstaff! This discovery was made by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory down the street from NAU. Pluto takes 248 Earth years to orbit around the Sun. Beyond the orbits of the eight planets of our solar system exists a region of likely millions of icy bodies called the Kuiper belt. This is where Pluto lives. This region is so far out that, while it takes the Earth one year to orbit the Sun, it takes Pluto 248 times longer. Pluto’s surface temperature is -375 to -400 degrees Fahrenheit! Because the Kuiper belt is so far from the Sun, Pluto’s average surface temperature ranges from -375 to -400 degrees Fahrenheit! This is so cold…
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