Pluto

[Christopher K.]

Pluto was discovered on this date in 1930. Clyde Tombaugh discovered it in 1930 using the 13-inch telescope at Lowell Observatory. It wasn't until after the discovery of Charon in 1978 that Pluto's relatively low mass was determined. According to NASA historian Steven J. Dick, a "low-grade debate" began then over the status of Pluto.

[Christopher K.]

The naming themes for the Plutonian system have been released! The New Horizon team and the International Astronomical Union together have developed the themes with enthusiastic input from the general public. The agreed-upon conventions are as follows...

Pluto
● gods, goddesses and other beings associated with the underworld from mythology, folklore and literature
● names for the underworld and for underworld locales from mythology, folklore and literature
● heroes and other explorers of the underworld
● scientists and engineers associated with Pluto and the Kuiper Belt
● pioneering space missions and spacecraft
● historic pioneers who crossed new horizons in the exploration of the Earth, sea and sky

Charon
● destinations and milestones of fictional space and other exploration
● fictional and mythological vessels of space and other exploration
● fictional and mythological voyagers, travelers and explorers
● authors and artists associated with space exploration, especially Pluto and the Kuiper Belt

Other Moons...
• Styx: river gods
• Nix: deities of the night
• Kerberos: dogs from literature, mythology and history
• Hydra: legendary serpents and dragons

More information:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-new ... ing-themes

[Christopher K.]

Pluto's largest moon Charon has received its first set of official names for surface features. Namesakes include writer Arthur C. Clarke and a character from the stories of Stanislaw Lem.

More information:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronom ... mal-names/

[Christopher K.]

Although not visible from Baton Rouge, during the 5pm hour (Central Daylight) on Wednesday 15 April the dwarf planet Pluto will be occulted (covered) by the Moon. This event will only be visible from the Antarctic Penisula. There may be a planned internet live stream.