Pluto is named after the Greek god of the underworld. It’s the only planet to be discovered in the twentieth century; no one knew it existed until 1930!

This is hardly surprising when you remember that Pluto is the furthest planet from the Sun, apart from 20 years during its orbit, when Neptune takes over.

Pluto is the most mysterious of all the planets. It is thought to be made of gas and ice, but we can’t be sure because no probe has ever made it that far. Even the strongest telescope on Earth has difficulty seeing any of Neptune’s detail.

Average distance from the Sun:     5,915,000,000km 
                                                   (3,675,000,000miles)

Length of year:                             248 Earth years

Diameter:                                     2,300km (1,429miles)

Average temperature:                   -382°F (-230°C)