The Big Controversy Over a Little Un-Planet

MU professor will discuss Pluto’s reclassification from planet to ‘dwarf planet’

April 7th, 2010

WHAT: For more than 70 years, scientists counted Pluto as the ninth planet in the solar system. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union officially defined the term planet. This definition excluded Pluto as a planet and reclassified it as a dwarf planet. Now, a University of Missouri professor will discuss this reclassification in this month’s Cosmic Conversations lecture series. After the lecture, the public is invited to view constellations from the Laws Observatory. 

The Cosmic Conversations lecture series is hosted by the MU Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Laws Observatory and the Central Missouri Astronomical Association.

WHO: Angela Speck, associate professor of astrophysics in the College of Arts and Science, will present, “Pluto’s Demise and Resurrection.”

WHERE: Room 120, Physics Building, MU Campus

Laws Observatory is located on the fifth floor of the Physics Building.

WHEN: Discussion: 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 7.

Observatory Hours: 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public.