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PLUTO
Pluto was discovered by Clyde W.
Tombaugh in 1930. It was named for the Pluto, the brother of Jupiter
and Neptune. Pluto's orbit is highly eccentric. This unusual
orbit brings Pluto inside the orbit of the planet Neptune during its
close approach to the Sun, as for example during the current period
between January, 1979 and March 15, 1999. The actual orbital paths do
not cross because Pluto's orbit is more inclined.
Pluto has one almost twin-like satellite
called Charon discovered in 1978. Charon complete one
revolution in about 6 days, the same as Pluto's rotation period. The
two objects (Pluto and Charon) may be relics of the early days of the
Solar System, or may be a captured planet from another planetary
system. There is also 2 other smaller moons that recently
discovered. Information on Pluto is still incomplete.
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