Pluto was discovered first by Lowell only by mathematical calculations and was first photographed in 1930 by Tombaugh after 14 years of the death of Lowell.
It is the last planet of the Solar system. It completes its revolution around the Sun in 248 years. It is assumed that its size is similar to that of Mars.
Although Pluto was discovered in 1930, scarce information on it delayed a proper understanding of its features. Today Pluto still is the only planet that has not been visited by a spacecraft; however an increasing amount of information is available about it. The unique character of Pluto's orbit, rotational relationship with its satellite, spin axis, and light variations all give Pluto a certain appeal.
Pluto is usually farther from the Sun than any of the nine planets; however, because its orbit is eccentric, it is closer than Neptune for 20 years in of its 249 year orbit. Pluto crossed Neptune's orbit January 21, 1979, made its closest approach September 5, 1989, and will remain within the orbit of Neptune until February 11, 1999. This will not occur again until September 2226.
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