Pluto is the largest dwarf planet in our solar system, and while there's still some debate about whether Pluto deserves to be a full planet, there's much more to this celestial body than its status. At Live Science, our expert writers and editors tell you all the strange facts about Pluto, from why Pluto's atmosphere is starting to disappear to how ice volcanoes on Pluto may still be erupting, and keep you updated on new research with the latest Pluto news, features and articles.
Discover more about Pluto
—Why is Pluto not considered a planet?
—When will Pluto complete its first orbit since its discovery?
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New Pluto mission could uncover dwarf planet's hidden ocean — if the 'queen of the underworld' gets to flyA conceptual mission known as "Persephone" could explore Pluto and its moons for 50 years — if it ever gets funded and approved.
Partner Content Created With Space.By Nola Taylor Tillman Published
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Skyscraper-size spikes of methane ice may surround Pluto's equatorGiant, ridge-like structures of methane ice, known as "bladed terrain," may be much more abundant along Pluto's equator than previously realized, a new study suggests.
By Deepa Jain Published
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James Webb telescope discovers 'a new kind of climate' on Pluto, unlike anything else in our solar systemNew James Webb Space Telescope data reveal Pluto's high-altitude haze is a key driver of the climate on the dwarf planet, offering clues to Earth's ancient atmosphere.
By Sharmila Kuthunur Published
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How Pluto captured its largest moon Charon with a 10-hour icy 'kiss'Pluto may have got romantic to capture its largest moon, colliding and engaging in a passionate but icy 10 hour kiss with Charon billions of years ago.
By Robert Lea Published
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James Webb Space Telescope deciphers the origins of Pluto's icy moon CharonUsing the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have discovered carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide at the surface of Pluto's largest moon, Charon, potentially shedding light on its origins.
By Robert Lea Published
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Pluto's huge white 'heart' has a surprisingly violent origin, new study suggestsTombaugh Regio — the large, pale heart that dominates Pluto's terrain — is made of nitrogen ice that accumulated after a huge, slow-motion impact, new research suggests.
By Stephanie Pappas Published
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Pluto may have an ice-spewing 'supervolcano' the size of Yellowstone, New Horizons data revealsKiladze Caldera, formerly called Kiladze crater, may be a supervolcano that erupted fairly recently, spewing ice across the surface of Pluto.
By Briley Lewis Published
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When will Pluto complete its first orbit since its discovery?Astronomers will have to wait a while to celebrate the first complete orbit of Pluto since its discovery.
By Elizabeth Howell Published
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Ice volcanoes on Pluto may still be eruptingAn area of Pluto that researchers think was formed from the eruption of ice volcanoes is unique on the dwarf planet and in the solar system, a new study suggests.
By Rebecca Sohn Published
