William Shatner, the iconic star of “Star Trek,” has recently taken to social media to express his desire for President Trump to take action to restore Pluto’s former status as a planet. In light of new astronomical research suggesting the potential existence of a ninth planet in our solar system, Shatner provocatively suggested that Trump should name this new celestial body while simultaneously reinstating Pluto’s planetary status. He characterized the demotion of Pluto as a result of a “tyranny of the cosmos” imposed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and called for his followers to enlist Elon Musk to facilitate this presidential initiative.
Observers responded to Shatner’s call with skepticism, questioning the jurisdiction of the U.S. President over celestial matters. However, Shatner countered by stating that there are precedents for presidential involvement in such domains, referencing Trump’s renaming of a Gulf and the American roots of Pluto’s discovery by astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh. He went so far as to argue that America has a unique claim over outer space endeavors, implying that the IAU’s authority could be challenged.
The actor’s critique focused on the IAU, which he labeled as a group of “corrupt nerds on a power trip.” He voiced his frustration over the organization’s ability to dictate planetary nomenclature and asserted that Pluto’s 2006 demotion lacked substantial justification. By framing this as an issue of authority and legitimacy, Shatner suggested that scientific organizations should not hold unilateral control over cosmic nomenclature.
Pluto was initially discovered in 1930 and held the title of the ninth planet in our solar system until it was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” by the IAU in 2006. Shatner’s impassioned defense of Pluto’s status not only advocates for the celestial body’s reinstatement but also highlights a broader discussion about the governance of scientific communities and the power dynamics within them.
In addition to his insightful comments on the state of planetary definitions, Shatner brought his own space experience into the conversation. He recently journeyed into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, sharing his awe at the stark contrast between Earth’s blue atmosphere and the vast, dark void beyond. This personal experience adds weight to his perspective, as he draws parallels between his fictional adventures and real-life explorations of space.
Ultimately, Shatner’s comments capture a blend of humor and serious discourse regarding space, governance, and the role of scientific organizations. His calls for Trump to restore Pluto’s status not only serve as a lighthearted quip but also a critique of institutional authority in science, encouraging dialogue about our understanding of the cosmos and the definitions that govern it.
