In Roman mythology, Pluto is the god of the underworld. In Greek mythology, he is known as Hades, ruler of the underworld. The planet received this name perhaps because it's so far from the Sun that it is in perpetual darkness. |
This is the symbol for Pluto: |
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To date, not much is known about the planet, Pluto. Most of the information we have is largely based on speculation and inference. Its moon, Charon, helps scientists with various calculations relating to the properties and characteristics of Pluto. |
Pluto is so far away that even the Hubble Space Telescope can make out only the largest features on its surface. This is why available pictures look so blocky and ambiguous. |
Like Uranus, Pluto seems to be lying on its "side." Pluto's equator points straight up and one of its poles point directly at the Sun. |
Look for Pluto! Pluto can be seen with an amateur telescope - but it is not easy. You will need detailed charts and many months of careful observations to actually find it. |