Pluto vs Earth: Comparison, Size, Mass, Gravity, Similarities and Differences

Pluto vs Earth

In the vast expanse of our solar system, two celestial bodies, Pluto and Earth, captivate our curiosity with their unique characteristics and profound differences. From their sizes to their atmospheres, each planet-like entity provides a glimpse into the diverse nature of worlds that populate the cosmos.

Pluto Compared to Earth

Pluto and Earth, while both celestial bodies in our solar system, differ significantly in various aspects, ranging from size to composition. Delving into their comparisons provides insights into the diversity of planetary bodies.

Pluto and Earth Similarities

1. Orbiting the Sun:
   • Both Pluto and Earth orbit the Sun, albeit on different trajectories and within distinct regions of the solar system.
2. Members of Our Solar System:
   • Both Pluto and Earth are part of our solar system, with Earth classified as a terrestrial planet and Pluto as a dwarf planet.
3. Presence of Atmosphere:
   • Both worlds possess atmospheres, although their compositions and characteristics differ markedly.

Pluto and Earth Differences

1. Size:
   • Pluto is significantly smaller than Earth. Its diameter is approximately 2,377 kilometers, whereas Earth's diameter is about 12,742 kilometers.
2. Mass:
   • Earth is substantially more massive than Pluto. Earth's mass is approximately 81 times that of Pluto.
3. Gravity:
   • Due to its smaller size and mass, Pluto has much weaker gravity compared to Earth. The surface gravity on Pluto is only about 0.063 times that of Earth.
4. Atmosphere:
   • Earth has a thick atmosphere primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, supporting life. Pluto, on the other hand, has a thin atmosphere mainly consisting of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.
5. Classification:
   • Earth is classified as a terrestrial planet, characterized by solid surfaces and substantial atmospheres. Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, was later reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006.

Pluto and Earth Size Comparison

• Pluto:
  • Diameter: Approximately 2,377 kilometers
  • Volume: Much smaller compared to Earth
  • Radius: Around 1,188.3 kilometers
• Earth:
  • Diameter: Approximately 12,742 kilometers
  • Volume: Considerably larger than Pluto
  • Radius: Around 6,371 kilometers

Pluto and Earth Mass Comparison

• Pluto:
  • Mass: Much smaller compared to Earth
• Earth:
  • Mass: Approximately 81 times that of Pluto

Pluto and Earth Gravity Comparison

• Pluto:
  • Gravity: Approximately 0.063 times that of Earth
• Earth:
  • Gravity: Standard gravity on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s²

Pluto and Earth Side by Side

Placed side by side, Earth would dwarf Pluto in both size and mass. Earth's robust gravity and thick atmosphere create a vastly different environment compared to Pluto's frigid, thin atmosphere. The surface of Earth supports diverse ecosystems and life forms, while Pluto's surface remains frozen and inhospitable.

Pluto and Earth

Pluto and Earth are worlds apart in many aspects. Pluto is a dwarf planet on the fringes of our solar system, characterized by its small size and icy composition. Its thin atmosphere is mostly nitrogen, and its extreme distance from the Sun results in freezing temperatures. In contrast, Earth is a terrestrial planet with a diverse landscape, solid surface, and a life-sustaining atmosphere rich in nitrogen and oxygen. Earth's temperate climate and hospitable conditions make it a hub of life, while Pluto's remote location and cold environment create an icy, distant realm.

Earth vs Pluto

Here's a detailed specification table comparing Pluto and Earth:

Specification	Pluto	Earth
Classification	Dwarf planet	Terrestrial planet
Diameter	Approximately 2,377 km (1,477 miles)	Approximately 12,742 km (7,918 miles)
Composition	Rock, water ice, frozen gases	Rock, metals, water, gases
Atmosphere	Thin, tenuous, mostly nitrogen	Dense, nitrogen-oxygen mixture
Surface Temperature	Averages around -375°F (-225°C)	Averages around 59°F (15°C)
Orbital Characteristics	Elliptical orbit, distant from the Sun	Circular orbit, within habitable zone
Orbit Period	About 248 Earth years	About 365.25 Earth days
Climate	Extremely cold and icy	Diverse range of climates
Potential for Life	Harsh conditions, unlikely to support life	Rich biodiversity and ecosystems

 

Pluto vs Earth Size

Pluto and Earth exhibit a stark contrast in terms of size. Pluto, classified as a dwarf planet, possesses a diameter of approximately 2,377 kilometers (1,477 miles), rendering it significantly smaller than Earth. In comparison, Earth boasts a diameter of around 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles), making it more than five times larger than Pluto. This substantial size difference underscores the diverse range of planetary bodies that populate our solar system.

Pluto vs Earth Temperature

Temperature disparities between Pluto and Earth arise from their respective distances from the Sun. Pluto's remote location in the outer solar system subjects it to frigid temperatures. With an average surface temperature of around -375 degrees Fahrenheit (-225 degrees Celsius), Pluto is an icy world where frozen gases dominate the landscape. On the other hand, Earth's position within the habitable zone allows for a temperate climate conducive to life. With an average surface temperature of about 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), Earth fosters a range of climates that have facilitated the development of diverse ecosystems.

Pluto vs Earth Mass

In terms of mass, Earth is substantially more massive than Pluto. Earth's mass is approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms, making it over 300 times more massive than Pluto. Despite its dwarf planet classification, Pluto's mass is relatively small, measuring around 1.31 x 10^22 kilograms. This significant mass difference between the two celestial bodies contributes to their distinct gravitational forces and overall dynamics.

Pluto vs Earth Atmosphere

Pluto and Earth possess atmospheres that differ greatly in composition and characteristics. Pluto's atmosphere is thin and tenuous, consisting primarily of nitrogen, with traces of methane and carbon monoxide. Due to its low surface gravity and extreme distance from the Sun, Pluto's atmosphere is fragile and subject to significant fluctuations as it orbits. In contrast, Earth's atmosphere is a dynamic mix of gases, primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), along with trace amounts of other elements. Earth's atmosphere plays a pivotal role in regulating the planet's climate and supporting life through its oxygen content.

Composition

Pluto and Earth diverge significantly in terms of size and composition. Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, is now classified as a dwarf planet. It is relatively small, with a diameter of about 2,377 kilometers. Its composition includes rock, water ice, and frozen gases. Earth, on the other hand, is a terrestrial planet with a diameter of approximately 12,742 kilometers. Its composition features a solid surface rich in rock and metals, along with a substantial atmosphere primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.

Orbital Characteristics

The orbital characteristics of Pluto and Earth underline their distinct positions in the solar system. Pluto follows an elliptical orbit that takes it far beyond the orbits of the major planets. Its elongated path leads to varying distances from the Sun during its orbital journey. Earth's orbit is more circular and falls within the habitable zone, allowing for the presence of liquid water and a stable climate conducive to life.

Conclusion

Pluto and Earth offer a fascinating juxtaposition of celestial bodies with contrasting attributes. While Pluto's dwarf planet status and remote location yield an icy, distant world, Earth's terrestrial nature, diverse ecosystems, and life-sustaining conditions make it a unique oasis in our solar system. These two worlds, though vastly different, serve as reminders of the remarkable diversity that exists among the celestial inhabitants of the cosmos.