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Physics & Astronomy

Colloquia

Upcoming Colloquia

Weekly colloquia are hosted by the Physics & Astronomy Department of Brigham Young University. Colloquia are held regularily during Fall and Winter semesters on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in BYU's Eyring Science Center. Refreshments are typically offered and all who wish to attend are welcome.
Is Pluto a Planet?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
C215 ESC 4:00 PM
Denise Stephens Department of Physics and Astronomy, BYU
Summary:
Abstract:
In August of 2006, the IAU (International Astronomical Union) met in Prague for their General Assembly Meeting that occurs once every three years. One of the duties of the IAU is to officially name and classify astronomical objects. While many important discoveries were presented at this meeting, what made the most news was the decision by a few hundred astronomers to create a new definition for the word planet. A definition that excludes Pluto, and leaves the solar system with only 8 planets. While some have welcomed this controversial change as the only possible outcome for Pluto, others have openly protested and rejected the decision. In fact, a few states even went so far as to pass resolutions officially recognizing that Pluto will always be a planet in their state.

In this talk, I'll cover the events and the discoveries that forced the IAU in 2006 to make a decision on what constitutes a planet. I'll go into the history of what happened at the IAU meeting and the many planet resolutions that were introduced to try and save the status of Pluto.
I'll talk about the eventual vote that declassified Pluto, and I'll discuss the reaction of both the public and astronomers alike to the decision. Finally we'll talk about whether or not it really matters what you call Pluto. Has the declassification changed the way astronomers study and view Pluto? Has it changed the public's perception of Pluto and what we teach in school? Regardless of whether you believe Pluto is a planet or not, this talk will give you the background and information you need to understand why astronomers did what they did in 2006 and the impact of that decision today.
 
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