What:

On Wednesday, August 16, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially proposed a new definition for a ‘planet’ that would increase the solar system from nine planets to 12. If approved, three new planets will be added to the current solar system lineup. The new planets would include Charon, Pluto’s largest moon; the asteroid Ceres; and 2003 UB313, one of the farthest known objects in the solar system.

In response, Sudekum Planetarium will explore this pertinent issue with the show “Nine Planets and Counting,” followed by a panel discussion of experts on Tuesday, August 22 starting at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Panelists to include Dr. Todd Gary, Tennessee State University Site Director, NASA SEMAA and Director Institute for Understanding Biological Systems; Dr. Spencer L. Buckner, Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Austin Peay State University; Dr. David J. James, Research Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University and Fisk University, adjunct professor, Nashville, TN.

“Nine Planets and Counting” is an original planetarium show created by Sudekum Planetarium at Adventure Science Center. The show not only offers an overview of the entire solar system, it addresses the timely issues the IAU is debating. The show questions the current definition of a planet, discusses the discovery of Pluto and other astronomical objects and explores all the planets in our solar system. “Nine Planets and Counting” is 35 minutes in length and is offered daily at Sudekum Planetarium.

When:

Special Evening Program

• Tuesday, August 22, 2006
• 6:30 p.m. - 7:10 - “Nine Planets and Counting”
• 7:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Open panel discussion
• 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. - Members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to observe the Sun before sunset and the planet Jupiter after sunset

Daily “Nine Planets and Counting” Schedule through August 31, 2006

• Sunday at 2:00 pm
• Monday through Thursday at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
• Friday at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm - except August 25
• Saturday at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm

How:

The Tuesday evening, August 22 presentation of “Nine Planets and Counting” is FREE and open to the public.

Daily Sudekum Planetarium tickets are $3.50 per show or $2.00 with regular Adventure Science Center admission. Tickets are free for Adventure Science Center members.