Pluto etymology

Etymology

  • The name "Pluto" derives from the Greek god of the underworld, Plouton, which is itself likely derived from the Greek word "ploutos" meaning "wealth."

Meaning

  • In Roman mythology, Pluto was the counterpart of the Greek god Hades, the ruler of the underworld.
  • The name "Pluto" thus carries connotations of death, the afterlife, and the hidden or unseen world.

Origin

  • The name "Pluto" was first used to designate the planet in 1930 by the American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh after its discovery.
  • Tombaugh chose the name to reflect the planet's perceived darkness and distance from the Sun.
  • The name "Pluto" was officially adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1930.

Additional Notes

  • The planet Pluto is often referred to as the "dwarf planet" due to its small size and elliptical orbit.
  • The discovery of the dwarf planet Eris in 2005 led to a revision of the IAU's definition of a planet, and Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
  • Nonetheless, the name "Pluto" remains a popular and recognized term for the celestial body.

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