Pluto. Some call it a planet, some don’t. Regardless, Pluto is one of the most well-known objects in our Solar System, whether that be due to pop culture, or the heated debate of its planetary status. But did you know that every February 18, the nation celebrates its discovery? One of my favorite scientists of all time, Neil deGrasse Tyson dedicated an entire book to the history and relevance of Pluto in our Solar System called “The Pluto Files,” and seeing as today is a day to celebrate it, I figured I would do a review on this short but very informative book.
About the Book:
I don’t think anyone needs an introduction to the great mind that is Neil deGrasse Tyson, but just in case you have been living under a Pluto-sized rock, I’ll give a brief summary. Tyson is a well-decorated African American Astrophysicist having two master’s degrees and a PhD, as well as an endless list of awards and accomplishments, multiple from NASA and the U.S. government. Tyson is also a well-known pop-culture icon who often debates (and embarrasses) many other intelligent minds. Tyson wrote and published “The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet” in 2009 as a tribute to a historical retelling of the “planet” Pluto.
The book provides a humorous and accessible look at Pluto’s history, from its discovery by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 to its eventual reclassification by the International Astronomical Union in 2006. Tyson examines why Pluto was considered a planet in the first place, how scientific discoveries led to its new designation, and the cultural impact of the change, including outraged schoolchildren and angry letters from Pluto supporters. Through anecdotes, historical documents, and his signature wit, Tyson explains the scientific reasoning behind Pluto’s status while also reflecting on how public sentiment often clashes with scientific progress. The book highlights the intersection of science, media, and popular culture, making it a fun and informative read for anyone interested in astronomy.
Review of the Book:
I honestly adored this book in its entirety. I listened to the entire audiobook of this piece, also read by Neil Degrasse Tyson, in a single afternoon. It was a short and fascinating read that I simply couldn’t put down. If I had a single complaint about this book, I would only have wished for it to be longer and a more in-depth telling of the dwarf planet’s history. Still, this piece was very well structured, being split between astronomical history and pop culture debates. While I do see how this might be boring for some readers, I was personally highly entertained by Tyson’s quippy remarks and fascinating facts that cross every page. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an inch of interest in astronomy and our Solar System as a whole. To those who still see Pluto as a planet, and to those who (correctly) see it as a dwarf planet, I bid you a wonderful Pluto Day!
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