How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

by Mike Brown

Book Overview

In 2005, astronomer Brown made the discovery of a lifetime: a 10th planet, Eris, slightly bigger than Pluto. But instead of its resulting in one more planet being added to our solar system, Brown's find ignited a firestorm of controversy that riled the usually sedate world of astronomy and launched him into the public eye.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385531087
• ISBN13: 9780385531085
• Release Date: December 2010
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
• Length: 267 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

verdict: justifiable planetcide

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.