How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The solar system most of us grew up with included nine planets, with Mercury closest to the sun and Pluto at the outer edge. Then, in 2005, astronomer Mike Brown made the discovery of a lifetime: a tenth planet, Eris, slightly bigger than Pluto. But instead of adding one more planet to our solar system, Brown's find ignited a firestorm of controversy that culminated in the demotion of Pluto from real planet to the newly coined category of "dwarf" planet. Suddenly Brown was receiving hate mail from schoolchildren and being bombarded by TV reporters--all because of the discovery he had spent years searching for and a lifetime dreaming about. A heartfelt and personal journey filled with both humor and drama, How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is the book for anyone, young or old, who has ever imagined exploring the universe--and who among us hasn't?
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0385531109
ISBN13:9780385531108
Release Date:January 2012
Publisher:Random House
Length:288 Pages
Weight:0.51 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
verdict: justifiable planetcide
Published by moss , 4 years ago
This is a funny and touching book written by the astronomer who discovered a solar system body bigger than Pluto. Including romance, scandal, science, and wonder, it's an engaging look at why Pluto had to be downgraded from being a "planet". A deeply personal yet universal story by the person who arguably had the most to lose from the very decision he was advocating for. Ultimately this book is a defense of the modern scientific process that has deep resonance in today's world of misinformation and science denial.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
