What is the size of Pluto compared to Earth? This question often arises when discussing the dwarf planet in our solar system. Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, is now classified as a dwarf planet due to its small size and irregular shape. Understanding its size in relation to Earth can provide fascinating insights into the diversity of objects in our solar system.
Pluto’s diameter is approximately 2,377 kilometers (1,473 miles), making it roughly one-fifth the size of Earth. In terms of volume, Pluto is about 0.0066 times the volume of Earth. This means that if you were to place Pluto inside Earth, it would occupy only about 0.0066% of the planet’s volume. Despite its small size, Pluto has captured the interest of scientists and space enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and location in the outer reaches of our solar system.
One of the most striking aspects of Pluto’s size is its comparison to other dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune that is home to numerous icy bodies. Pluto is the largest known dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, with Eris being the second-largest. However, when compared to the other dwarf planets, Pluto is still relatively small. Eris, for instance, has a diameter of about 2,326 kilometers (1,445 miles), which is only slightly smaller than Pluto’s.
The small size of Pluto has implications for its gravitational pull and the dynamics of its moons. Pluto has five known moons, with Charon being the largest and most significant. Charon is roughly half the size of Pluto, which means that the two celestial bodies share a mutual orbit. This unique relationship between Pluto and Charon is a result of their comparable sizes and gravitational forces.
Moreover, Pluto’s small size has affected its atmosphere. Unlike Earth, which has a thick atmosphere composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases, Pluto’s atmosphere is much thinner and more volatile. It is primarily composed of nitrogen with traces of methane and carbon monoxide. The thin atmosphere causes Pluto to experience extreme temperature variations, with surface temperatures reaching as low as -390 degrees Fahrenheit (-235 degrees Celsius).
In conclusion, the size of Pluto compared to Earth is relatively small, with Pluto being about one-fifth the size of our planet. This distinction highlights the diversity of objects in our solar system and the fascinating characteristics that make Pluto a unique and intriguing dwarf planet. Despite its small size, Pluto’s unique features, such as its moons and thin atmosphere, continue to captivate scientists and space enthusiasts worldwide.
