Learn about why Pluto is no longer considered a planet, including its size and location within the Kuiper Belt. Discover the unique features of Pluto and hear from the planet itself in a Q&A session. Explore the history of Pluto as a planet and the events that led to its reclassification as a dwarf planet. Also, find out about a crocheted vest shop and a podcast that teaches kids about money.
27:39
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 due to its size and orbit.
The New Horizons spacecraft provided valuable information about Pluto's surface, atmosphere, and the early formation of planets in the Kuiper Belt.
Deep dives
Pluto's Discovery and Classification
Pluto was discovered in 1930 and was considered the ninth planet in our solar system. It was named after the Greek god of the underworld. However, scientists later realized that Pluto didn't meet all the criteria to be classified as a planet. It was smaller than initially predicted and its orbit had other Pluto-sized objects nearby. Therefore, in 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Despite this reclassification, Pluto remains an interesting object of study, providing insights into the formation of our solar system.
New Horizons Mission to Pluto
In 2006, NASA launched the New Horizons spacecraft to observe Pluto up close. After a nine-year journey, it reached Pluto in 2015. New Horizons provided valuable information about Pluto's surface, atmosphere, and its five moons. The mission revealed surprising features, such as the existence of icy mountains and glaciers on Pluto, as well as its blue-colored atmosphere. New Horizons also explored other icy objects in the Kuiper Belt, shedding light on the early formation of planets.
Changing Perspectives and Scientific Process
The reclassification of Pluto highlights how scientific understanding evolves. As we learn more about the universe, our definitions and classifications may change. Scientists formulated new criteria for what constitutes a planet, leading to Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet. This process of discovery and reevaluation is a fundamental part of scientific exploration and helps us better understand the complexities of our solar system.
Pluto is tiny, icy, and used to be the ninth planet in the solar system. Used to be. So why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore?
Join Molly and co-host Momo as they learn Pluto’s history, talk to planetary scientist Kelsi Singer about NASA’s New Horizons mission, and even hear from the planet itself. All that plus a nifty new mystery sound!
This episode was sponsored by:
Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS) - Claim your $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. Terms and conditions apply.
Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode