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

Name: When Is a Planet Not a Planet?
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Elaine Scott
ISBN: 9780739363348

Author: Elaine Scott

Narrator: Pete Larkin

Unabridged: 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 01/08/2008

Categories: Children's Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Astronomy, History Of Science, Technology, Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science

Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Clark on February 18, 2025

I want to give it 11 stars because it has Pluto.......more

Goodreads review by Abby on December 22, 2014

In 2006 Pluto was "demoted" to a dwarf planet. This book starts in Ancient Greece and gives an overview of the history of astronomy, leading up to the fateful decision that Pluto is not a planet. Did you know that Pluto is not the first planet to be demoted? I had no idea. This book is great for kid......more

Goodreads review by MissInformation on April 01, 2008

The title is a misnomer- Pluto is used as a backdrop to explore the history of astronomy. There is a great recounting of early astronomers and how scientific theories about the planets have changed over time, including up to the present day. A great, accessibly written title for showing kids how sci......more

Goodreads review by Ayla on April 30, 2019

3.5 stars a quick history through astronomy, lightly touching base on the Astronomers that came before, who brought about our understanding of our planetary solar system. And why Pluto and Charon are dwarf planets. Did not know that at certain points in time that Neptune is actually the farthest pla......more

Goodreads review by Jenny on July 06, 2019

Quick 45 minute audio that has a brief history of our solar system and explanation of Pluto's status as a planet.......more