Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

The Fascinating Hunt for a Mysterious Ninth Planet [Ep. 488]

Apr 20, 2025

In this engaging discussion, astronomer Mike Brown, known as the "Pluto Killer," reveals the truth behind Pluto's demotion and the heated debates that followed. He shares his experiences with ethical dilemmas in astronomy, including the controversy over Haumea's discovery. The search for the elusive Planet Nine takes center stage, delving into how it might influence the solar system. With humor and insight, Brown also addresses the evolving definitions of planets in light of groundbreaking discoveries, highlighting the fascinating interplay between science and public perception.

58:47

Episode guests

Mike Brown

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Mike Brown, known as the 'Pluto Killer,' discusses how the redefinition of planets reshaped our understanding of celestial classification.

The ongoing search for the hypothetical Planet Nine highlights the complexities of gravitational interactions within the solar system and its evolution.

Brown emphasizes the importance of storytelling in science to engage the public and bridge the gap between complex astronomical concepts and understanding.

Deep dives

The Demotion of Pluto and Its Impact

The decision to demote Pluto from its planet status was influenced by the discovery of other celestial objects in the Kuiper Belt, which led scientists to reconsider what constitutes a planet. Mike Brown, often referred to as the 'Pluto Killer,' argued that Pluto was better categorized among these objects rather than as a traditional planet. This controversial shift in classification sparked public interest and debate about the definition of a planet and its implications for our understanding of the solar system. The demotion also opened the door to discussing more accurately the nature and classification of other similar bodies within our celestial neighborhood.

Intro

3min

Redefining Pluto and the Nature of Celestial Classification

2min

Revisiting Planetary Definitions

8min

Secrets of Astronomy: From Galileo to Modern Discoveries

3min

The Emotional Journey of Astronomical Discoveries

10min

Navigating Scientific Ethics

8min

Exploring the Mystique of Dwarf Planets

2min

The Hunt for Planet Nine

13min

Navigating the Cosmic Definition: Planets and Their Changing States

2min

10.

Exploring Angular Momentum and the Quest for Exoplanet Understanding

4min

11.

Building a Cosmic Chemistry Lab

5min

As a listener of Dr. Brian Keating, you get a special 20% off discount. 👉 Head over to The Economist's website at www.economist.com/Keating to get started.

What really happened during the controversy over the discovery of Haumea? Why was Pluto actually demoted? And is there a hidden Planet Nine lurking in the outer solar system?

I’m joined today by none other than the Pluto Killer himself, Mike Brown. Mike is an astronomer and professor of planetary astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). His groundbreaking discoveries of dwarf planets like Eris, Haumea, and Makemake shook up the astronomy world and led to the controversial redefinition of what constitutes a planet.

In this gripping episode of Into the Impossible, Mike opens up about the ethical challenges he faced in his career, including the Haumea data theft that caused a massive controversy, the truth behind the demotion of Pluto, and the ongoing search for Planet Nine.

—

Key Takeaways: