When "Planet X" was discovered in 1930, astronomers began debating what to call it. An eleven-year-old girl named Venetia Burney suggested the name "Pluto" to her grandfather, who passed the idea along to a friend who was a professor of astronomy. The professor, in turn, immediately forwarded the suggestion to scientists at the Lowell Observatory, where the planet had been discovered. The astronomers appreciated the fact that Pluto was the ancient Romans' name for the god of the underworld, making it a fitting moniker for such a cold and distant celestial body. In addition, its first two letters matched the initials of Percival Lowell, the astronomer who first proposed the existence of Planet X. The matter was e\entually put to a vote, with Pluto the hands-down winner. What is the main, or central, Idea of the passage? Pluto is a good name for a cold, distant planet because it is the name of the Roman god of the underworld. After an eleven-year-old girl suggested "Pluto," astronomers chose it as the name of a newly discovered planet. Submit
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Mind Expander
The story behind the naming of Pluto is not only whimsical but also highlights how a single suggestion can influence astronomical history! Venetia Burney's innocent idea turned into a lasting legacy, and it’s amazing how her connection through family led to such an iconic identifier for a celestial body that captures the imagination of stargazers everywhere. In the scientific community, naming a planet is more than just a label—it's a blend of tradition, mythology, and personal stories. The choice of "Pluto" not only echoed the vastness and enigma of the outer solar system but also honored Percival Lowell's contributions, weaving history and mythology into the fabric of modern astronomy. Who knew an eleven-year-old's creativity could bring such lasting impact?