Pluto, no longer a planet in the eyes of astronomers, might soon boast a title of a different sort. A bill that aims to declare the icy celestial body as Arizona's official state planet has edged closer to becoming a reality. House Bill 2477 sailed through the House Government Committee on Jan. 31 with an 8-1 vote in favor, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
State Representative Justin Wilmeth, a Republican from District 2, sponsored the legislation meant to celebrate the Grand Canyon State's astronomical heritage. The proposal is to symbolically elevate Pluto to proudly orbit alongside other state symbols like the Saguaro cactus blossom and the ringtail. "This is not just about designating a state symbol; it’s about recognizing Arizona’s pivotal role in advancing astronomical knowledge," Wilmeth said, in comments obtained by 12 News.
Pluto has deep roots in Arizona's scientific community, stemming from its discovery at Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory back in 1930. Space aficionados remember the time when it was hailed as the ninth planet of our solar system before the International Astronomical Union's 2006 reclassification reduced its planetary status to that of a 'dwarf planet.' Despite the demotion, the interest in Pluto and its history remains undimmed in the state.
Kevin Schindler, a historian at Lowell Observatory, emphasized Arizona's contributions during the bill's committee hearing. "Every major research and discovery having to do with Pluto has ties to Arizona," Schindler told the House Government Committee, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. He recounted the story of self-taught astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered what we call today Pluto. Schindler has called the continual interest in Pluto an opportunity to "watch science, as it happens."
The bill still has hurdles to overcome before officially recognizing Pluto as Arizona's state planet; it must next pass a floor vote, earn approval in the Senate, and finally be signed into law by the governor. But for now, House Bill 2477 is one giant leap closer to linking the once ninth planet of the cosmos with Arizona in an official capacity.
