What Happened to Pluto?

This Science 360 interactive program, "What Happened to Pluto?" explains the implications of the controversy surrounding Pluto. In September of 2006, after 75 years of being a planet in our solar system, a group of astronomers demoted Pluto to dwarf planet status. Why did it happen? What does this decision say about science? And have we heard the last of Pluto? A Morehead educator informs and engages the audience about Pluto and its current situation.

At the beginning the audience will decide with an electronic voting system whether Pluto should be a planet or not. After gathering some background information, the audience will vote again on Pluto's status.

The interactive program is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Major funding for Science 360 is provided by a National Science Foundation grant to support internships in physical science education.

Morehead offers seasonal schedules of Science 360 shows to the public. Follow this link to see the current schedule of public shows at Morehead.

Please note that seasonal schedules change four times each year (spring, summer, fall and holiday), and some shows are not offered during every schedule.

In addition to its public shows, Morehead offers shows during the week especially for school classes and other field trip groups. These school shows do not appear on the seasonal schedule but do appear on Morehead's daily calendar.

If seats are available, the public may purchase tickets to school shows.

However, school groups with reserved seating have first priority on any remaining seats (for example, if extra chaperons attend), so Morehead cannot guarantee that public seats will be available for school shows.