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Early Planet Definitions
- Neil deGrasse Tyson recounts the history of planet classification, starting with the ancient Greeks' definition of planets as wanderers.
- He explains how the number of planets changed over time with the discoveries of Earth, Uranus, and ultimately, the reclassification of Ceres.
Discovery of Neptune
- Tyson explains how Uranus's unusual orbit led to the discovery of Neptune, initially thought to be 'Planet X'.
- He highlights how the search for Planet X continued, driving the later discovery of Pluto.
The Asteroid Belt and Ceres
- Tyson discusses the discovery of Ceres in 1801, initially classified as a planet.
- He explains how the subsequent discovery of numerous similar objects led to the creation of the asteroid belt, reclassifying Ceres.