UNK Public Planetarium Show: "Is Pluto A Planet?"

At the time of its discovery in 1930, Pluto was considered the sought-after "Planet X," the ninth planet in the Solar System. It remained that way until 2006 when the International Astronomical Union controversially voted on a new definition for "planet" that moved Pluto to the status of "dwarf planet." The situation ignited the interest and passion of the public, many of whom rallied to Pluto's defense —how could the IAU demote poor, tiny Pluto? But what objects have been considered planets throughout history? Is the IAU's definition a good one? What other objects like Pluto are out there? These questions and more will be discussed, but please...check your nostalgia at the door!

Free tickets will be available to reserve at 8:00 AM CT on Friday 2/27 at https://www.ticketleap.events/events/unk-planetarium

Shows are recommended for engaged grade school students through adults. Shows are strongly discouraged for ages 2 and under. Please be prepared to turn off phones and smartwatches, remove lighted shoes, etc., so that all participants may enjoy the show in its intended dark, quiet environment. Please arrive 5 minutes before your show, or ticket reservations may be released to allow for walk-in attendees.

In conjunction with the show, the UNK Astronomy Club will provide telescope observing, outside of BHS, at 8:00 PM (weather permitting).

You may also like the following events from UNK Physics and Astronomy:

• Next month, 6th March, 07:00 pm, UNK Public Planetarium Show: "Science or Fiction? Debunking Common Astronomical Misconceptions" in Kearney
• This April, 3rd April, 07:00 pm, UNK Public Planetarium Show: "How Do Astronomers Learn About Things That Are So Far Away?" in Kearney
• This May, 1st May, 07:00 pm, UNK Public Planetarium Show: "The Solar Neutrino Problem" in Kearney