Misconceptions in Astronomy - Pluto is a Planet
Channel: Introduction to Astronomy
Date: 2023-12-06

In this lecture, we will look at the misconception that Pluto is a planet. We will look at some other objects that have been discovered and how this led to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006. We will also consider how this method of reclassification has occurred in the past. 

The Astronomy Picture of the Day video will be uploaded each Monday.
The Misconception in Astronomy video will be uploaded each Wednesday.
The Special Topic in Astronomy video will be uploaded each Friday.

These lecture videos are designed to complement the content in the OpenStax Astronomy 2e textbook. The book can be downloaded free of charge at: https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy-2e

I can be reached with comments at wagnerastronomy@gmail.com. However, classes I am teaching receive priority so I will try to respond as I can to questions.

Note: Lesson 0 materials are specific for the classes that I teach. Lesson 1 will start with Chapter 1 of the textbook.

You can access the most current versions of the lecture videos through the following playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMahwAGxKuWlWcYdu2hPMmcD_pyQWkZ7J

The series on Misconceptions in Astronomy is available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMahwAGxKuWlnx5g7C9QD9imNQ-838WzF

The series on Special Topics in Astronomy is available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMahwAGxKuWmpPh2U_DXAqGPeVl_tjudf

These videos are being released under a CC-BY license so that others can feel free to adapt them for their use as long as attribution is given. 

Lecture slides are available for download here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12JnRLzV-o4xl5KnJ39bGyK27qG7s0Lnw?usp=sharing They are currently available in Apple Keynote, PowerPoint, and pdf format.