The Pluto Files

Living on Earth

Neil deGrasse Tyson didn’t mean to get Pluto demoted from planet status; he just wanted people to think about the solar system differently. But changing the number of planets from nine to eight is just what happened when a debate sparked by the astrophysicist’s Hayden Planetarium exhibit – sans Pluto – ended with the re-categorization of the icy rock to “dwarf planet” status. Dr. Tyson tells his story – and the story of Pluto – in his new book “The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet.” He talks with host Steve Curwood.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!