If you live in Arizona there is no shortage of issues that might divide you from your neighbor. Much of that stems from the political climate in general, amplified by the specific situation on the ground, namely a hard right Republican legislature and a Democratic governor. Examples are plenty. A gun law passed late last year permits a child under the age of 18 to legally possess firearms on private property that is owned or leased by their parent without that parent's permission. Another law being advanced is aimed at undocumented immigrants, allowing people to legally kill someone accused of trespassing on their property. And it was just this week that an 1864 law that banned most abortions was overturned after repeated tries and defecting legislators.
All of that means that there are few things you can chat about at a neighborhood barbeque that won't result in a shouting match. Indeed, perhaps the only things residents can agree on is the extensive list of official state totems that are emblematic of its resources, spirit and attitudes. Arizonans of all political persuasions, genders, races and creeds can unite over their Official Neckwear (the bola tie), Official Amphibian (Arizona tree frog) and Official Metal (copper). And now the Official Mineral (wulfenite) has a new sibling. Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB2477, a bill that declares that Pluto is now Arizona's Official Planet.
Lead sponsor Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix) was the point person in the effort. He notes that the case for this particular celestial body being enshrined in state lore (alongside Official Reptile the Ridge-nosed rattlesnake and Official Firearm the Colt Single Action Army Revolver) runs through Flagstaff. It was there at the Lowell Observatory that astronomer Clyde Tombaugh was looking for the so called "Planet X" by comparing photographic plates of the sky. Using a device called a blink comparator, he flicked between two images of a single spot taken on different nights. He noticed a shift, an effect that would only come from an orbiting body. With that he was able to confirm the existence of Pluto on February 18, 1930, making it the only planet discovered in these here United States. And it gave a boost to a state that could now boast the largest canyon and the furthest orbiter.
However, in this case the term "planet" carried an asterisk. While it was originally called that, in 2006 following years of debate the International Astronomical Union determined it didn't meet the criteria for planethood. They said that for an object to be considered as such it must a) orbit the Sun, b) be massive enough to have become spherical under the force of its own gravity, and c) be the dominant gravitational player in its neighborhood. While it cleared the first two hurdles, Pluto is a relative weakling in pulling stuff into it. As such, the IAU created a new designation and reclassified it as a "dwarf planet," simultaneously allowing it save some heavenly face and dissing earth-bound Grand Canyon Staters.
Representative Wilmeth says that HB2477 helps to right that wrong. "This is not just about designating a state symbol; it's about recognizing Arizona's pivotal role in advancing astronomical knowledge. The discovery of Pluto at the Lowell Observatory is a testament to our state's scientific legacy, and by designating Pluto as our state planet, we honor the curiosity and dedication of those who have expanded our cosmic horizons." And as to that heavenly demotion? "It might matter to some that are going to get picky or persnickety about stuff," he said.
While bills like this are generally non-controversial, there is the smallest hint of dispute. While passage of this kind of legislation is usually an occasion for silly and effusive praise, Governor Hobbs signed the bill "without comment." Likewise, State Senator Sally Ann Gonzales (D-Tucson), one of five senators who voted against the measure, said she did so because "Scientifically, they took it out of being a planet," and that they should consider scientific information, "something that we as a Legislature, as a body, sometimes omit."
ut put that aside, and look at the big picture. As azcentral.com put it, "Arizona's planet will demonstrate personality and state pride, similar to Wisconsin's waltz and Washington's oyster." And now those living in the state can be proud of more than just their Official Fossil (petrified wood), Official Dinosaur (sonorasaurus) and Official Gemstone (turquoise). Top that, New Mexico.
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Marc Wollin of Bedford has an Official Residence and an Official Column. His column appears weekly via email and online http://www.glancingaskance.blogspot.com/ and https://marcwollin.substack.com/, as well as via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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