The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Save:

'The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet' by Neil deGrasse Tyson delves into the controversial reclassification of Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet. Through a blend of humor, scientific insight, and historical context, Tyson explores the cultural significance of Pluto, the scientific rationale behind its reclassification, and the reactions from the public and astronomers alike. The book navigates through the complexities of planetary taxonomy, shedding light on the evolving understanding of our solar system while also reflecting on the emotional attachment people have towards celestial bodies.

In a captivating and informative manner, Tyson uses anecdotes, cartoons, and historical references to engage readers in a discussion about the ever-changing nature of scientific knowledge. He challenges readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about the solar system, encouraging them to embrace the complexity and diversity of celestial objects beyond traditional planetary classifications.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is conversational and humorous, making complex scientific ideas accessible through anecdotes and pop culture references.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into the history of Pluto from discovery to its reclassification, presenting a narrative filled with personal insights and the broader implications of astronomical classification.

Setting:

The setting focuses on modern astronomy, intertwined with historical references and cultural reactions to Pluto's changing status.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging and lively, alternating between storytelling and scientific explanations while maintaining strong reader interest.

Figure 1.4.Atlas, detail. Rising above Atlas’s six-pack abs and his bulging biceps we see the yoke that displays in relief the eight planets of the solar system, plus the Moon. From right to left we h...

Genres:

nonfiction

science

humor

Topics:

history of pluto

demotion of planets

classification of celestial bodies

public reaction to scientific decisions

science and pop culture

historical analysis

science communication

public engagement

Notes:

The Pluto Files is not a scientific treatise but a fun summary of Pluto's history.

Neil deGrasse Tyson was involved in the discussion that led to Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Historically, the number of planets has not been fixed; Pluto was not always considered a planet.

Pluto was discovered in 1930 but was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006.

Pluto's orbit is unusual; it crosses Neptune's orbit and rotates clockwise.

Pluto is mostly made of ice and is smaller than Mercury.

Pluto's moon Charon is relatively large and they form a double planet system.

The search for Planet X was initially based on anomalies in Uranus and Neptune's orbits, which were later found to be non-existent.

After Pluto was reclassified, textbooks and educational materials needed to be updated.

Many people were emotionally attached to Pluto as a planet, leading to strong reactions against its demotion.

Tyson pointed out that memorizing planets is less meaningful than understanding different zones in the solar system.

The culture surrounding Pluto was strong, with references in popular media and products.

The New Horizons spacecraft flyby of Pluto took place after its demotion, generating renewed interest in the dwarf planet.

From The Publisher:

The New York Times bestseller: "You gotta read this. It is the most exciting book about Pluto you will ever read in your life." -Jon Stewart

When the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History reclassified Pluto as an icy comet, the New York Times proclaimed on page one, "Pluto Not a Planet? Only in New York." Immediately, the public, professionals, and press were choosing sides over Pluto's planethood. Pluto is entrenched in our cultural and emotional view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, award-winning author and director of the Rose Center, is on a quest to discover why. He stood at the heart of the controversy over Pluto's demotion, and consequently Plutophiles have freely shared their opinions with him, including endless hate mail from third-graders. With his inimitable wit, Tyson delivers a minihistory of planets, describes the oversized characters of the people who study them, and recounts how America's favorite planet was ousted from the cosmic hub.

Reader Stats (2):

Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet?

See the list (21 books)

About the Author:

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist with the American Museum of Natural History, host of the hit radio and Emmy-nominated TV show StarTalk, and the New York Times best-selling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry and Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military. He lives in New York City.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.