Pluto The Pup

Pluto, formal designation 134340 Pluto, is the second-largest known dwarf planet in the Solar System (after Eris) and the tenth-largest body observed directly orbiting the Sun. Originally classified as a planet, Pluto is now considered the largest member of a distinct population called the Kuiper belt.[note 9] Like other members of the Kuiper belt, Pluto is composed primarily of rock and ice and is relatively small: approximately a fifth the mass of the Earth’s Moon and a third its volume. It has an eccentric and highly inclined orbit that takes it from 30 to 49 AU (4.47.4 billion km) from the Sun. This causes Pluto to periodically come closer to the Sun than Neptune. From its discovery in 1930 until 2006, Pluto was considered the Solar System’s ninth planet. In the late 1970s, following the discovery of minor planet 2060 Chiron in the outer Solar System and the recognition of Pluto’s very low mass, its status as a major planet began to be questioned.[6] Later, in the early 21st century, many objects similar to Pluto were discovered in the outer Solar System, notably the scattered disc object Eris, which is 27% more massive than Pluto.[7] On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) defined the term “planet” for the first time. This definition excluded Pluto as a planet, and added it as a member of the new category “dwarf planet” along with Eris and Ceres.[8] After the reclassification, Pluto was added to the list of minor planets and given the number …

Complete video at: fora.tv Science comedian Brian Malow reveals that many scientists do, in fact, have a sense of humor… with a few quirks. “Sometimes I look out, and they’re not laughing, they’re thinking,” says Malow. “They’re looking the joke over, and they have found it sound.” —– Brian Malow’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com Brian Malow’s blog: www.sciencecomedian.com Brian Malow’s videos for Time Magazine: bit.ly Brian Malow (@sciencecomedian) on Twitter: www.twitter.com Now an accomplished stand-up comic whose career has spanned more than a decade to include performances on CBS, A&E, TechTV, and the Discovery Channel, Brian Malow turns his sharp wit upon his first love: the world of science. Brian entertains and ignites interest in science with hysterical, thought-provoking science comedy routines about the environment, insects and viruses, evolution and extinction, the speed of light, gravity, cell phones, computers — everything under the Sun — and even the Sun itself! Brian makes science funny, exciting and easily digestible for all audiences. Wonderfest, the Bay Area Festival of Science, is held each year in the beginning of November. Enjoy fascinating discussions between world-class scientists on cutting edge topics, as well as other fun exhibitions. Visit Wonderfest.org and join.