tech
Why Pluto is the planet (yes, we said ‘planet’) we need right now
For no explainable practical reason, humans are enamored with – and even empathetic toward – specific inanimate objects. Our first car. A choice coffee mug. And for a particular subset of the population, that extends to a dimly lit frozen sphere currently 3.3 billion miles away.
TL;DR
- The I Heart Pluto Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona, attracts hundreds of attendees who are passionate about the dwarf planet Pluto.
- Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a decision that remains controversial for many.
- The festival celebrates Pluto's discovery in the US and its unique cultural impact, including being named after by Walt Disney.
- Attendees express a strong emotional connection to Pluto, viewing it as an underdog and a symbol of scientific exploration and ingenuity.
- Arizona's legislature declared Pluto the state planet in 2024, reflecting local sentiment that defies the IAU's definition.
- The festival highlights a subculture of people who remain loyal to Pluto, organizing events and expressing their affection through merchandise and gatherings.
- The scientific community also shows a degree of defiance, with some scientists continuing to use older definitions or express skepticism about the IAU's classification.
- Flagstaff's designation as an International Dark Sky City enhances the festival's connection to astronomy and the night sky.
- The town's history, including its connection to Route 66, is seen as parallel to Pluto's own story of being once celebrated and then superseded.