Pluto's Orbits

Q: Between the discovery of Pluto and when it was declassified as a planet, how many full orbits of the sun did it complete?

A: Zero

Pluto did not complete a full orbit during its time as a planet!

Discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto was officially classified as the ninth planet in our Solar System. However, in 2006, Pluto’s status was redefined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), leading to its reclassification as a "dwarf planet." This decision was based on criteria that required celestial bodies to clear their orbit of other debris—a feat Pluto does not fully accomplish due to its highly elliptical orbit.

Like a sloth, Pluto takes a leisurely 248 years to orbit the sun - so in its 76 years as a planet it did not make a full orbit. 

So, while Pluto’s journey through space continues, it’s intriguing to realize that it has yet to complete one full circuit around the Sun in the time it’s been on our radar!