Show your support for Team Pluto with this stylish ballcap sporting the dwarf planet symbol for Pluto on the front.
- Embroidered on front: Pluto's dwarf planet symbol
- Embroidered on right side: "Lowell Observatory"
- Low Profile
- 6 Panels
- Adjustable: self-fabric closure with slide buckle
Material: 100% lightweight brushed cotton twill cap.
Size: One size fits most (Adjustable with self-fabric closure with slide buckle)
Color: hat - navy, symbol - red, text - white
Made in China
Embroidered in USA
Why does Pluto's planetary symbol look this way?
The symbol is in the shape of a merged "P" and "L", designed to be a monogram for Pluto and Percival Lowell
Why put Pluto on the hat?
Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory by Clyde Tombaugh on February 18th, 1930 and became recognized as the 9th planet shorly afterwards. However, as we began to learn more about our solar system, scientists began to question Pluto's planetary status. The great planet debate came to a head in 2006 and Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet on the 13th of September by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). There are 5 recognized dwarf planets currently: Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris. Scientists believe there may be over 100 waiting to be discovered.
So what is a planet then?
According to the IAU, planets are defined by three features:
1. The object must be in orbit around the Sun.
2. The object must be massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity. More specifically, its own gravity should pull it into a shape defined by hydrostatic equilibrium.
3. It must have cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
Pluto fails to do the third, as it's mass is not great enough. However, what classifies objects like Pluto has been a long standing debate, and like all things, science changes as we learn more.
Are we sad about what happened to Pluto?
Some of us.