Arizona lawmaker Justin Wilmeth is making waves with his proposal to make Pluto the official state planet of Arizona. The bill, which was introduced in the House on Jan. 17, has gained widespread support and has already passed through the House with a unanimous vote of 52-0.
Wilmeth was inspired to introduce the bill after visiting the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. The idea came to him during a casual conversation with one of his staffers, and he quickly drafted the bill, which simply states, “Pluto is the Official State Planet.”
While some may question the significance of naming Pluto as the state planet, Wilmeth believes it is a way to honor Arizona’s rich history in astronomy and inspire future generations. The bill has received support from various individuals, including children’s book author Diane Phelps and Lowell Observatory Chief Operating Officer Dr. Amanda Bosh.
If the bill is approved by the Senate and signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona will become the first state to have an official planet. The decision could come as early as spring, adding Pluto to the list of officially recognized emblems of the state.
Overall, the proposal to make Pluto the official state planet of Arizona has sparked excitement and pride among residents, highlighting the state’s strong connection to astronomy and its commitment to preserving its unique history.