In a move that has sparked debate among scientists, Arizona has officially declared Pluto as its "official state planet." Despite being downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006, the small celestial body has captured the hearts of Arizonans.

Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill on Friday, solidifying Pluto's status as the state emblem. Although technically not meeting the criteria to be classified as a planet, Pluto holds a special place in the hearts of many Arizona residents.

To be considered a planet, an object must orbit its host star, be mostly round, and have an important influence on the orbital stability of other objects around it. However, the IAU classified Pluto as a dwarf planet because it resides within a zone of other objects in the Trans-Neptunian region and has not cleared its orbit of debris.

Pluto's classification as a dwarf planet places it in the company of Ceres, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris, the four other celestial objects that meet the criteria for being a dwarf planet.

Despite the controversy surrounding Pluto's status, Arizona's decision to honor it as the official state planet celebrates the uniqueness and significance of this distant celestial body. The bill signing was accompanied by a social media post from Governor Hobbs, expressing Arizona's enduring love for Pluto.

The move by Arizona acknowledges that Pluto, though no longer considered a planet by the scientific community, still holds a special place in the state's cultural and astronomical history. It serves as a reminder that scientific classifications can sometimes differ from the emotional and symbolic connections that individuals and communities forge with celestial objects.

The decision to designate Pluto as the official state planet highlights the importance of education and public engagement in scientific discussions. While scientists may debate the criteria for classifying celestial objects, the public's fascination and appreciation for the wonders of the universe continue to thrive.

Arizona's recognition of Pluto as its official state planet ensures that this celestial body will remain a source of inspiration and curiosity for years to come. Despite its changed classification, Pluto continues to captivate the imagination of people across the state and beyond.