22 June 2011

The Case for Pluto by Alan Boyle

The Case for Pluto: How a Little Planet Made a Big Difference by Alan Boyle

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union passed a resolution in Prague that defined and classified the natural objects in our Solar System.   The headline that came from this was that Pluto lost its designation as a planet and was now classified as a "dwarf planet".  It wasn't long before emotive language entered the debate - "demoted", for example - and (supposedly) there was a widespread campaign in America to have Pluto restored to its former (and supposedly superior) rank of planet.

Boyle, a noted science writer, tells the story of Pluto from its discovery by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 to the 2006 "Battle of Prague" when it was reclassified.  He also give us a comprehensive breakdown of the recent discoveries of other dwarf planets beyond the orbit of Neptune.  At the end of there book there are many fine photos and illustrations of Pluto and other outer solar system objects.

Boyle writes in clear and flowing prose.  His description, exposition and narrative are top-notch, keeping the reader turning pages.  I thought his argument was a bit of a let-down as it was repetitive, sometimes involves a bit of emotive hyperbole and is not all that profound.  Three out of four ain't bad.

I enjoyed this book as its strengths outweighed its shortcomings,  and I learned a lot from it about astronomy, science (good and bad) and how some people spend their time, money and talent.  It was also the first ebook that I borrowed from a public library.