Pluto Is Getting Redder

In 2006, Pluto was downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet by scientists. Now they tell us that Pluto is getting redder -- about 20% redder so far. Here's how BBC News describes what the scientists think is happening:

Experts say they believe this is because of changes in Pluto's surface ice as it enters a new phase of its 248-year-long rotation.

The new images are said to show frozen nitrogen brightening in the north and becoming darker in the south.

"These changes are most likely consequences of surface ice melting on the sunlit pole and then re-freezing on the other pole," Nasa's Space Telescope Science Institute said in a statement.

But some astronomers have expressed shock at the changes.

"It's a little bit of a surprise to see these changes happening so big and so fast," said Marc Buie, of the Southwest Research Institute. "This is unprecedented".

Personally, I think Pluto may be just immensely embarrassed at being demoted to "dwarf planet" status.