QUESTION:Why is Pluto different from the other planets?
ANSWER from Trisa Borgman on April 4th
Hmmm...that's a good question!  As far as I know, no one
really knows for sure why Pluto is so different.
One theory is that Pluto is not really a planet at all
but is more like an asteroid that was captured into
orbit by the Sun.  As you probably know, all of the
planets have their own unique characteristics...but Pluto
is truly one of a kind!  Its orbit is tilted quite a bit
with respect to the other planets, and while the other
outer planets are all gaseous, Pluto is a rocky "terrestrial"
planet.  There is quite a bit of debate going on right now
about whether or not Pluto should be able to retain its
planetary status.  This might be a good thing for you
to think about, especially relating to your interest in
Pluto.  What does it mean to be called a planet?
Why is Pluto called a planet when asteroids larger than
Pluto are only asteroids?  There are many questions which
relate to Pluto's mysterious characteristics--perhaps
in the future you will be part of the team which answers
them!!!