ASTR 160 - Lecture 3 - Our Solar System and the Pluto Problem
Lecture 3 - Our Solar System and the Pluto Problem Class begins
with a review of the first problem set. Newton's Third Law is
applied in explaining how exoplanets are found. An overview of
the Solar System is given; each planet is presented individually
and its special features are highlighted. Astronomy is discussed
as an observational science, and the subject of how to
categorize objects in the Solar System is addressed. The Pluto
controversy is given special attention and both sides of the
argument regarding its status are considered. The Pluto
Controversy (links to various sites related to the demotion of
Pluto to the status of "dwarf planet.")