William Shatner to Elon Musk: ‘Make Pluto a Planet Again
William Shatner’s Plea to Elon Musk: “Make Pluto a Planet Again”
William Shatner, the iconic Star Trek actor known for playing Captain James T. Kirk, has made headlines with a playful yet earnest plea directed at tech mogul Elon Musk: “Make Pluto a planet again.”
This tongue-in-cheek appeal taps into the ongoing public debate over Pluto’s status. Once considered the ninth planet of our solar system, Pluto was demoted to a “dwarf planet” in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), sparking controversy and disappointment among many space enthusiasts.
Shatner’s message to Musk, a prominent figure in the space industry through SpaceX, seems to blend humor with nostalgia, perhaps hoping Musk’s influence could sway public or scientific opinion. While Musk has no direct authority over planetary classifications, his cultural and scientific clout certainly keeps him in the conversation about humanity’s future in space.
The plea reflects a broader sentiment: for many, Pluto still holds a special place in the imagination as the little planet that could — and Shatner’s voice only adds to the charm of that enduring affection.
What happened?
Legendary actor William Shatner, best known for playing Captain Kirk in Star Trek, made a playful yet passionate request to Elon Musk on social media, urging him to use his influence to help reinstate Pluto as a planet
Why does it matter?
Pluto was demoted from planetary status in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), reclassifying it as a dwarf planet — a decision that still irks many space enthusiasts and astronomers.
Elon Musk’s reaction?
While he hasn’t issued a formal reply yet, the post sparked a flurry of responses and memes. Many users supported Shatner’s campaign, joking that if anyone could make it happen, it’s Musk — the CEO of SpaceX and a vocal advocate of space exploration.
Quick Background on Pluto’s Status:
- Discovered: 1930
- Demoted: 2006 (for not “clearing its orbit” around the Sun)
- Current Status: Dwarf planet, part of the Kuiper Belt
- Supporters Want: Reinstatement as the ninth planet in our Solar System
Public Response:
The hashtag Make Pluto A Planet Again has started trending, showing how much love Pluto still gets from the public—and especially from the sci-fi community.
Yes, it’s true—William Shatner, famed for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, recently made a playful yet spirited plea on social media to “make Pluto a planet again.” He directed this request to both Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, suggesting that Musk use his influence to persuade Trump to issue an executive order reinstating Pluto’s planetary status. Shatner humorously criticized the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006, accusing its members of exerting unwarranted control over celestial decisions.
Elon Musk responded positively to Shatner’s appeal, stating, “I’d support that.” While such an executive order would be symbolic—since the IAU holds the authority over planetary classifications—the exchange has reignited public interest in Pluto’s status and showcases the enduring affection for the distant celestial body.
This lighthearted campaign highlights a shared sense of nostalgia and scientific curiosity, reflecting the ongoing debate and fascination surrounding Pluto’s place in our solar system.
