When Is a Planet Not a Planet?: The Story of Pluto

Elaine Scott

Jan 2008 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Pete Larkin

About this audiobook

Q: When is a planet not a planet?

Scientists have argued for years over the answer to this question. And central to their debate has been Pluto, the tiny orb circling the Sun at the outermost reaches of our solar system. Then on August 24, 2006, a group of astronomers made a big announcement: Pluto could no longer be considered a planet.
    
This fascinating and breathtaking audiobook explains in simple terms how advancements in technology have changed our understanding of the universe–and exactly how and why the number of planets in our solar system went from nine to eight.

About the author

Elaine Scott has written numerous award-winning nonfiction books for children, including several on planets and space. About her research process for When Is a Planet Not a Planet? The Story of Pluto, she says: “This book was written as experts struggled with the definition of a planet, and therefore, Pluto’s fate. With no books on Pluto’s new status to consult, I relied upon daily news briefings from NASA and the International Astronomical Union. I consulted their websites, along with the sites of Caltech and Dr. Mike Brown. And I talked with many people. It was an exhausting but worthwhile process!” Elaine Scott lives in Houston, Texas. You can visit her on the web at www.elainescott.com.