SPACERIUM

  Once hailed as the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto's status took a dramatic turn in 2006 when it was reclassified as a dwarf planet . This distant and enigmatic celestial body continues to fascinate scientists and space enthusiasts alike. Why Pluto Lost its Planetary Status The demotion of Pluto was a direct result of the discovery of numerous other icy bodies in the Kuiper Belt , a region beyond Neptune. These objects, including Eris which is even larger than Pluto, challenged the traditional definition of a planet. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) established three criteria for a celestial body to be considered a planet: Orbits the Sun: Pluto meets this criterion. Has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape: Pluto meets this criterion. Has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit: This is where Pluto falls short. It shares its orbital space with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Pluto's failure to meet the third criterion led to its reclassific...

In the bustling asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter lies a world unlike any other – 16 Psyche . This celestial oddity, discovered in 1852 by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis , stands out from its rocky and icy neighbors with a unique metallic glint.  Psyche's remarkable composition and potential role in unraveling the history of our solar system have made it a prime target for exploration. A Primeval Relic: Discovery and Location De Gasparis spotted Psyche from the Naples Observatory in Italy . It holds the distinction of being the 16th asteroid discovered , hence the number in its name.  Orbiting the Sun between 2.53 and 3.32 Astronomical Units (AU) , Psyche's path takes it roughly 2.5 to 5 times farther from the Sun than Earth.  This places it within the main asteroid belt, a vast collection of rocky and metallic debris leftover from the formation of our solar system. Uniquely Composed: A World of Metal What truly sets Psyche apart is its suspected compositio...