{"product_id":"9781935251859","title":"Pluto Confidential: An Insider Account of the Ongoing Battles over the Status of Pluto","description":"When the International Astronomical Union adopted a new definition of a \"planet\" in August 2006, Pluto became a dwarf planet, drawing a divisive line in science and public opinions. The controversy of whether Pluto is a planet continues years later, and passion about the decision remains, pitting scientist against scientist and invoking sentiments and nostalgia from the rest of the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith the IAU definition, the future of space objects is forever changed. Learn how this resolution came to be and what it means for astronomy, who implemented it and who is against it, and whether it's the first or millionth time the world's view of astronomy has rotated on its axis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten by an astronomer and educator who voted for the IAU resolution--Laurence A. Marschall—and a NASA scientist who supported the opposing petition that resulted—Stephen P. Maran—\u003cem\u003ePluto Confidential\u003c\/em\u003e leaves no perspective out and no asteroid unturned in the Pluto debate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA telescopic look inside the book: \u003cbr\u003eHistory of planetary disputes, including why Jupiter almost wasn't acknowledged\u003cbr\u003eWhat Bode's Law is and how it has influenced observations\u003cbr\u003eWho discovered Pluto and how it was named\u003cbr\u003eThe Kuiper Belt and its role in what it means to be a planet\u003cbr\u003eBeyond Pluto and the eight distinguished planets \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eAstronomy Today\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Overall, this is a highly readable book which engages, without overpowering, the reader.… The authors' opposing views on Pluto's status in the final chapter provides a calm reasoned exploration of the arguments. This is a neat conclusion …”","brand":"BenBella Books, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47177391407344,"sku":"9781935251859","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781935251859_p0.jpg?v=1763656349","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781935251859","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}