National Astronomy Week online presentation: Is Pluto a planet?

In celebration of National Astronomy Week 2025, enjoy this free online presentation by Jerry Stone titled “Is Pluto a planet?”.

10 years ago, in July 2015, New Horizons became the first spacecraft to reach distant Pluto, after a journey of 9½ years. But did it encounter a planet?

In 2006, six months after New Horizons was launched, the International Astronomical Union voted to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet, starting a major controversy that still continues, nearly 20 years later …. But does it need to?

In Jerry Stone’s most controversial presentation, “Is Pluto A Planet?” is a highly visual and entertaining presentation that looks in detail at the IAU’s definition of a planet, and some of its unexpected – and unintended – consequences.

Jerry Stone is a freelance space presenter and has given presentations on astronomy and space exploration for over 50 years. He is also an author and broadcaster, and is widely recognised as an expert in the subject.

Watch the presentation live via the National Astronomy Week YouTube channel.