Pluto news, features and articles

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.
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—Why is Pluto not considered a planet?
—When will Pluto complete its first orbit since its discovery?
Latest about Pluto

Skyscraper-size spikes of methane ice may surround Pluto's equator
By Deepa Jain published
Giant, 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.

James Webb telescope discovers 'a new kind of climate' on Pluto, unlike anything else in our solar system
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
New 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.

How Pluto captured its largest moon Charon with a 10-hour icy 'kiss'
By Robert Lea published
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.

James Webb Space Telescope deciphers the origins of Pluto's icy moon Charon
By Robert Lea published
Using 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.

Pluto's huge white 'heart' has a surprisingly violent origin, new study suggests
By Stephanie Pappas published
Tombaugh 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.

Pluto may have an ice-spewing 'supervolcano' the size of Yellowstone, New Horizons data reveals
By Briley Lewis published
Kiladze Caldera, formerly called Kiladze crater, may be a supervolcano that erupted fairly recently, spewing ice across the surface of Pluto.

When will Pluto complete its first orbit since its discovery?
By Elizabeth Howell published
Astronomers will have to wait a while to celebrate the first complete orbit of Pluto since its discovery.
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