posted 01-25-2007 01:23 PM               

Location: Clay Center Lecture Hall
Date: Sunday, February 4th, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Special Lecture Series Event: In partnership with the Society for the Preservation of Pluto as a Planet (SP3), on the birthdate of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh, February 4th, the Clay Center Observatory will hold a special "Pluto Multimedia Show and Friendly Debate."

Free admission. Limited seating.

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to demote Pluto. Thousands of average citizens all over the world have protested this decision. What's the big fuss about? Come find out all about Pluto and enjoy a friendly debate concerning its status. Learn about the history of Pluto and the upcoming mission to Pluto. Discover what will happen next in our solar system!

Panelists include:

• Owen Gingerich, Chair, IAU Planet Definition Committee, and Senior Astronomer Emeritus at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and Research Professor of Astronomy and History of Science at Harvard University
  
• Brian Marsden, Director, Minor Planet Center, Harvard Center for Astrophysics
  
• Gareth Williams, Associate Director, Minor Planet Center, Harvard Center for Astrophysics
  
• Jane Luu, Professor and Technical Astronomer, M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory
  
• Andy Cheng, Principal Investigator for the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) for the New Horizons Mission to Pluto
  
• Kelly Beatty, Executive Editor, Sky and Telescope Magazine
  
• Arsen R. Hajian, United States Naval Observatory
  
• Michael A. Burstein, President, SP3
  
• Nomi S. Burstein, Vice President, SP3

Recommended for ages 8 to adult and all lovers of astronomy.

Free souvenirs.

Visit www.plutoisaplanet.org for more information on International Save Pluto Day.

posted 01-25-2007 02:23 PM               

I only wish I lived a bit closer to attend and hear the exchange of ideas.

posted 01-25-2007 05:14 PM               

Thanks in advance and please contact me for our shipping address.