Elon, will you make Pluto a planet again? William Shatner makes a planetary plea — Elon Musk's response might surprise you

Time of India

18-05-2025

Elon, will you make Pluto a planet again? William Shatner makes a planetary plea — Musk's response might surprise you
SpaceX
CEO
Elon Musk
has once again made headlines, but this time it is not about space exploration or groundbreaking technological advancements. Instead, Musk has joined forces with Hollywood icon
William Shatner
in a lighthearted yet spirited call to reclassify Pluto as a planet. The interaction began when Shatner, famous for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in the iconic sci-fi series Star Trek, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to advocate for Pluto's planetary status.
Musk, who recently changed his username to "Kekius Maximus," responded in a way that quickly captured public attention. The conversation soon went viral, sparking a wave of support from users who rallied behind the unexpected yet humorous cause.
William Shatner wants Elon Musk to make Pluto a planet again
On May 16, 2025, William Shatner took to X to express his thoughts on Pluto's classification. In a playful tone, he suggested that Elon Musk should persuade the President to sign an executive order reinstating Pluto as a planet. The tweet, written in Shatner's characteristic lighthearted style, stated:
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"We should ask Elon to get the President to sign one of those Executive thingies to make Pluto a planet again."
The tweet included a link, presumably to further information or context, and quickly gained traction among both space enthusiasts and casual social media users.
Elon Musk's positive response
Elon Musk, known for his quick-witted and spontaneous social media presence, did not disappoint his followers. Using his new username "Kekius Maximus," Musk responded to Shatner's tweet, simply stating:
"I'd support that."
This succinct yet impactful reply quickly became the focal point of the online discussion. Fans of both Shatner and Musk celebrated the interaction, with many expressing their agreement with the idea of reinstating Pluto's status as a planet.
Social media reactions
The exchange between Shatner and Musk sparked a wave of responses on X. Supporters of Pluto's planetary status shared their thoughts and humor on the matter. One user commented, "This idea is great, it should definitely be done while there is a chance."
Another fan of Shatner's iconic Star Trek role wrote, "This is the last great wish of a StarFleet Captain. Make it so."
The debate became even more animated when another user humorously stated, "Leaving Pluto out of planets is actually planet racism or fascism or some ism - Idk."
Social media was flooded with memes and witty comments, some of which also highlighted that Pluto's designation as a "dwarf planet" does not negate its planetary essence. One user insightfully remarked, "It still is a planet. It just has an additional description of dwarf too. It's like saying a small human is not still a human."
Why Pluto was demoted
The humorous exchange between Musk and Shatner also reignited the long-standing debate about Pluto's planetary status. Pluto, discovered in 1930, was originally classified as the ninth planet of the Solar System. However, this changed in 2006 when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planet classification.
According to NASA, an object must meet the following three conditions to be classified as a planet:
It must orbit the Sun.
It must have sufficient mass for its gravity to shape it into a nearly round form.
It must have cleared its orbital path of other debris.
Pluto fails the third criterion as it shares its orbital zone with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Consequently, the IAU reclassified it as a "dwarf planet."
Should Pluto be a planet again
Since Pluto's reclassification, public sentiment has remained divided. While some scientists and astronomers support the decision based on the strict scientific criteria, many others — including members of the general public and prominent figures like William Shatner — feel that Pluto's legacy as a planet should be preserved.
One of the arguments for Pluto's reinstatement hinges on the emotional and cultural attachment people have to it. For decades, students learned about the nine planets of the Solar System, with Pluto holding a special place as the farthest member. Its reclassification not only altered the astronomical model but also challenged how people relate to celestial objects on a personal level.
Why Elon Musk's support matters
As a leading figure in space exploration, Musk's endorsement of Shatner's idea, even in jest, brings attention to the debate. Musk has a reputation for challenging conventions, and his lighthearted support for Pluto's reclassification resonates with those who believe that scientific classifications should consider historical and cultural perspectives.
Moreover, Musk's response exemplifies how public figures can use humor and social media to revive debates on scientific topics, especially those with a mix of logic and sentiment. While Musk's statement may not carry legislative power, it does reflect the human element in scientific discourse.
Could Pluto's status change again
While Musk's tweet was clearly playful, it does raise the question: Could Pluto's planetary status ever be reinstated? The IAU's definition remains the global standard, and any change would require a major shift in scientific consensus. Some astronomers advocate for a broader classification that would include Pluto and other similar bodies as planets, but such proposals have yet to gain widespread acceptance.
Until then, Pluto remains officially classified as a dwarf planet, despite its iconic status in popular culture and the enduring affection many have for it. Whether the public perception will eventually influence scientific consensus remains uncertain, but the Musk-Shatner interaction highlights how a seemingly trivial debate can capture imaginations worldwide.
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