From Planets to Plutoids—Our New Solar System
Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate

Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 7:30 PM

When the International Astronomical Union's 2006 vote reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet, controversy followed over this most beloved object in the solar system. Recent discoveries of icy Kuiper belt objects and hot Exoplanets have forced scientists to re-think previous classification schemes and their associated nomenclature.

Join Moderator Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium, and his panel of experts as they discuss and debate the ideas that drive our understanding of the solar system.

Panelists:

• Gibor Basri—Professor of Astronomy at University of Berkeley
• David Jewitt—Professor of Astronomy, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
• Jack Lissauer—Space Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center
• Sara Seager—Ellen Swallow Richards Associate Professor of Planetary Science and Associate Professor of Physics at MIT
• Alan Stern—Planetary Scientist and author
• Mark Sykes—Director, Planetary Science Institute

Host & Moderator:

• Neil deGrasse Tyson—Astrophysicist and The Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium.

About the Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate

The late Dr. Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and influential authors of our time, was a dear friend and supporter of the American Museum of Natural History. In his memory, the Hayden Planetarium is honored to host the annual Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate—a panel series generously endowed by relatives, friends and admirers of Isaac Asimov and his work. The Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate brings the finest minds in the world to the Museum each year to debate pressing questions on the frontier of scientific discovery. Proceeds from ticket sales of the Isaac Asimov Memorial Panels benefit the scientific and educational programs of the Hayden Planetarium.

Browse the Asimov Debate Archive.