Pluto Day

Pluto Day is a holiday that is loved by astronomers, physicists and other space scientists from all over the world. It is celebrated annually on February 18. On this day, everyone remembers about the most mysterious planet of the solar system. Perhaps someday intelligent life will be discovered on Pluto and the inhabitants of the Earth will be able to establish contact with local inhabitants.

History

The planet Pluto was discovered by an American astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh. An outstanding scientist devoted his life to the study of space. He lived to be 90 years old and bequeathed to scatter his own ashes near the surface of Pluto. The last wish was granted. Pluto Day is officially celebrated by astronomers around the world, but is not listed among the state ones in any country. The only station that has ever been sent from Earth to Pluto is New Horizons. It has been in outer space since 2006.

Interesting facts

• The official announcement of the discovery of the planet Pluto took place in 1930 on February 18. In 1905, the American astronomer Percival Lowwell proved with the help of mathematical calculations the existence of another planet in the solar system. At first, it was called Planet X.
• To name the new planet in honor of the character of the myths of ancient Greece, constantly hiding in the dark, suggested an American schoolgirl.
• Conducting research on Pluto is quite difficult, so it is called the most mysterious planet discovered by man.
• Pluto has the harshest conditions. The temperature there reaches minus 230 degrees, and one year stretches like two thousand Earth years.
• There is fresh water on the surface of Pluto because there are three times as many glaciers there as on Earth. The planet Pluto is six times smaller than the Moon, so many modern astronomers do not consider this celestial body an independent planet.

How to celebrate

To celebrate this holiday, you should read books about space or listen to space music. A good option is to spend a starry night at the telescope. Astronomers hold scientific conferences and seminars on this day, discussing the problems of Pluto and other planets.

When is Pluto Day celebrated in 2024?

Pluto Day is observed on February 18 each year.

Observations