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The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet
The Pluto Files The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet
Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
The time has come to chronicle America's irrational love affair with Pluto, man's best celestial friend. — In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it's a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto's status, Americans rallie...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780393065206
ISBN-10: 0393065200
Publication Date: 6/1/2008
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 13

3.4 stars, based on 13 ratings
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 2
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

cmtdrt avatar reviewed The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you're afraid of a dry science-y book, put your fears aside. The Pluto Files is a glimpse behind the scenes of museums and other scientific institutions and how they deal with the public and the changing status of their chosen field. There's just enough straight science described so the reader can familiarize themselves with the topic. Nothing that can be handled by a high school student.

Dr. Tyson found himself, unintentionally, in the middle of the controversy over the continuing planethood of far away Pluto. While I think he is a bit biased about the actual popularity of tiny, icy rock, the machinations of his fellow scientists are what really make this book worth reading. "All My Children" has nothing on feuding astrophysicists!
reviewed The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet on + 177 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Has deGrasse Tyson's charm, but he really seems to be reaching for something to write about. Tedious coverage of the history of Pluto's standing, including many references to the Disney dog. Lots of defensiveness for his decision to leave Pluto out of a public display on the solar system.
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