If youre confused about what exactly a planet is, dont feel bad: Astronomers are still arguing over the term eight years after the International Astronomical Union (IAU) came up with a controversial new definition that demoted Pluto to dwarf planet status. You can get an inside look at the ongoing debate tonight (Sept. 18) at 7:30 p.m. EDT (2330 GMT) during an event organized by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) called What Is a Planet? You can watch the lecture live here on Space, courtesy of the CfA, or on the CfAs Observatory Nights YouTube channel: youtube/user/ObsNights Three experts will participate in tonights event, CfA representatives said in a media advisory: Science historian Dr. Owen Gingerich, who chaired the IAU planet definition committee, will present the historical viewpoint. Dr. Gareth Williams, associate director of the Minor Planet Center, will present the IAU’s viewpoint. And Dr. Dimitar Sasselov, director of the Harvard Origins of Life Initiative, will present the exoplanet scientist’s viewpoint. At the end of the debate, the audience will get to vote on its preferred definition of planet, and whether or not Pluto makes the cut. Results will be announced Friday (Sept. 19), CfA representatives said.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:42:02 +0000
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