(C) Arizona Mirror
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Pluto isn’t really a planet, but it might be Arizona’s official state planet [1]
['Leah Britton Ua Don Bolles Fellow', 'More From Author', '- February']
Date: 2024-02
The city of Flagstaff really loves Pluto.
So much so that, in a recent show of cosmic devotion, Pluto-fanatics arrived at the state Capitol on Wednesday in droves to support legislation to make the dwarf planet the official state planet of Arizona.
In 1930, astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh discovered Pluto from Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory. To this day, it remains as the only “planet” to be discovered in the United States, and a great source of pride for Arizona’s astronomy community.
But in 2006, Pluto was demoted to dwarf planet status, following years of debate over whether it met the criteria to be a planet. Ultimately, the International Astronomical Union determined it didn’t.
Now, almost 100 years later, members of the observatory are looking to honor the discovery in a bigger way with the help of Rep. Justin Wilmeth, R-Phoenix, the sponsor of House Bill 2477.
“There’s been some controversy recently with it being downgraded…That’s not really the point of this bill today.” Wilmeth said. “It’s to honor our state heritage, our state history and our strong astronomy background that we have in this state, both in Flagstaff and Tucson.”
Since Pluto’s discovery, Arizonan astronomers have played a major role in developing our knowledge of the once-believed ninth planet. Pluto’s moon, Charon, was also discovered from Flagstaff, and Lowell astronomers played a part in the discovery of the dwarf planet’s atmosphere, as well.
The Flagstaff observatory’s dedication to Pluto has never waivered, even when it lost its planetary status.
“There’s a really strong scientific connection between Arizona and Pluto,” said Lowell Observatory Historian Kevin Schindler. “You think of cactus, you think of Arizona. You think of Pluto, you think of Arizona. That’s what we wanted.”
Speakers in support of the bill also emphasized how the title of “state planet” would help bolster Pluto’s reputation with young students, giving the former planet the street cred it they believe it deserves.
Author Diane Phelps Budden has brought stories about Pluto into classrooms. She said she has seen firsthand how excited students are about planets and space.
“Here’s an opportunity for a teacher to lead the discussion with the fact that Pluto is the state planet. They will think that is, ‘Oh so cool!’” said Phelps Budden.
The measure was warmly received by the committee, which not only approved the bill with a vote of 8-1, but appreciated the unusually mirthful moment the bill brought lawmakers.
“With all the pressing issues, it’s kind of nice to see a bill like this on there just to lighten things up,” said Rep. Rachel Jones, R-Tucson.
The sole opposing vote came from Rep. Steve Montenegro, a Republican from Litchfield Park, who said the only reason he voted against the measure was to have an opportunity to learn more about it.
“Some of these bills may seem small, like Pluto,” he explained. “But I want to learn a little bit more, and I want to reserve that vote, too, as we move forward.”
Otherwise, bipartisan excitement was seen from the rest of the committee, including Tucson’s Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, who seemed eager to learn more about the Lowell Observatory’s upcoming expansion later this year.
“I’m hopeful that, when the new center opens in November, we can do a legislative field trip and come and see?” Gutierrez, a Democrat, said.
As for the opposition?
“Mr. Montenegro will not be invited to the field trip,” joked Wilmeth.
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