How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming Book Summary - How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming Book explained in key points

How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming summary

Mike Brown

Brief summary

How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming by Mike Brown is a captivating memoir that reveals the controversial story behind the demotion of Pluto from being the ninth planet in our solar system.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming
    Summary of key ideas

    Revisiting the Solar System

    In How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, Mike Brown, a renowned astronomer, takes us on a journey through the solar system, starting with his discovery of Eris, a celestial body larger than Pluto. This discovery, made in 2005, led to a re-evaluation of what constitutes a planet, and ultimately, the demotion of Pluto from its planetary status.

    As Brown recounts his journey, he shares his passion for astronomy and the thrill of discovering new celestial bodies. He describes the painstaking process of identifying Eris, which involved years of observation and data analysis. The discovery of Eris, and its implications for the definition of a planet, sparked a heated debate in the scientific community and among the general public.

    The Demotion of Pluto

    The heart of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming lies in the controversy surrounding the demotion of Pluto. Brown explains that the International Astronomical Union (IAU) convened to establish a formal definition of a planet, a task that had never been necessary before. The IAU's decision to exclude Pluto from the list of planets was met with widespread disappointment and even outrage.

    Despite the public's attachment to Pluto as the ninth planet, Brown argues that the IAU's decision was based on scientific principles. He explains that the new definition of a planet required a celestial body to clear its orbit of other debris, a criterion that Pluto did not meet. This led to its reclassification as a "dwarf planet," a term that Brown himself had proposed.

    The Human Side of Science

    Amidst the scientific and astronomical discussions, How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming also offers a glimpse into the human side of science. Brown shares the personal toll of the controversy, including the hate mail and death threats he received, and the impact on his family. He reflects on the unexpected consequences of his discovery and the emotional burden of being at the center of such a contentious issue.

    Despite the challenges, Brown maintains his passion for astronomy and his commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe. He continues to make significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of numerous other celestial bodies beyond Neptune. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that can arise in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

    Looking to the Future

    In the final chapters of the book, Brown looks to the future of astronomy and space exploration. He discusses the ongoing search for other potentially habitable planets and the technological advancements that are expanding our understanding of the universe. He also reflects on the enduring fascination with Pluto, despite its reclassification.

    In conclusion, How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is a captivating blend of science, personal narrative, and societal impact. Brown's account of the demotion of Pluto challenges us to reconsider our preconceptions and highlights the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge. It's a story that reminds us that even the most fundamental concepts can be subject to change in the light of new discoveries.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming about?

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming by Mike Brown is a fascinating account of the controversial decision to reclassify Pluto as a "dwarf planet." Brown, a renowned astronomer, takes us on a journey through his discovery of new celestial bodies in our solar system and the scientific debate that ultimately led to Pluto losing its status as the ninth planet. With wit and insight, he challenges our understanding of what it means to be a planet and sheds light on the ever-evolving field of astronomy.

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming Review

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming (2010) by Mike Brown is a captivating book that explores the controversial decision to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With a behind-the-scenes perspective, the author shares the thrilling story of his discovery of Eris, the celestial body that led to Pluto's downfall.
    • Through riveting storytelling and scientific explanations, the book sheds light on the ever-evolving field of astronomy and the complex nature of our solar system.
    • It challenges our preconceived notions about the cosmos and encourages us to question established ideas, igniting a sense of curiosity and wonder.

    Who should read How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming?

    • Enthusiastic fans of astronomy and space exploration
    • Those curious about the ever-evolving nature of scientific discoveries
    • Readers who enjoy engaging storytelling combined with insightful scientific insights

    About the Author

    Mike Brown is a renowned astronomer and professor at the California Institute of Technology. He is best known for his discovery of Eris, a dwarf planet in the outer solar system, which ultimately led to the reclassification of Pluto. Brown's research focuses on the study of distant objects in the solar system and has led to numerous significant findings. In addition to his scientific work, he is also the author of several popular books, including "How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming."

    Categories with How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.8 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    34 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming FAQs 

    What is the main message of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming?

    The main message of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is about the discovery that led to Pluto's reclassification and the implications for our understanding of our solar system.

    How long does it take to read How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming?

    The reading time for How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming a good book? Is it worth reading?

    How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is a fascinating book that offers insights into the scientific process and the evolving understanding of our celestial neighborhood. It is definitely worth a read!

    Who is the author of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming?

    The author of How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming is Mike Brown.

    What to read after How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming?

    If you're wondering what to read next after How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • Incognito by David Eagleman
    • God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
    • A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
    • The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
    • Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
    • Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
    • The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks