NASA says it is “looking into” the status of Pluto after a 10-year-old girl’s viral letter urging officials to restore it as a full planet gained national attention.

The letter, written by a young space enthusiast named Kaela, was shared widely on social media after being posted by a popular weather account. In it, she asked NASA to “please make Pluto a planet again,” offering several reasons for the change, including its historical status and its place within the solar system.

Kaela also included scientific facts about Pluto to support her argument, noting that it is located in the Kuiper Belt, was discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, and has five known moons. She said restoring Pluto’s classification would make many people happy, adding that it would mean a lot to her personally.

The message drew a response from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who replied publicly that the agency is “looking into this,” helping amplify the story and sparking renewed discussion about Pluto’s status.

Pluto was reclassified in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union, which established new criteria for what constitutes a planet. Under those guidelines, Pluto was downgraded to a “dwarf planet” because it does not clear its orbital path, one of the required conditions.

The debate over Pluto’s classification has persisted for years, with some scientists and space advocates continuing to argue that the definition should be revisited.

The viral moment comes as NASA’s Artemis II mission and broader space initiatives have increased public interest in astronomy, particularly among younger audiences.

Kaela, speaking in an interview, said her interest in Pluto was sparked by a visit to a planetarium. She added that if Pluto were ever reinstated as a planet, she believes the occasion should be celebrated worldwide, with free ice cream.