Pluto and the Edge of the Solar System

Why isn't Pluto a planet anymore? Did it change, or did our understanding of it change? Explore why our "new solar system" has only eight planets AND thousands of previously undiscovered objects like Pluto at the outer edges of the solar system.

This Course includes the following great BONUS LESSONS:

• What on Earth is Astronomy?

• Mini-Lesson: Eclipses

• Mini-Lesson: Meteor Showers

• Mini-Lesson: Aurora

Pluto and the Edge of the Solar System

1. Objective

2. Warm-up activity

3. Description of a solar system and what defines its boundaries

4. Planet discovery methods and timings

5. In-depth discussion of Pluto’s discovery, naming and eventual classification as a dwarf planet

6. Pluto’s moons

7. Old and new definitions of a planet

8. The international astronomical union and its responsibilities

9. Planetary elliptical orbits

10. The Kuiper Belt

11. Moons of the outer Solar System

12. Dwarf planets, including Eris and Ceres

13. Pluto’s temperatures and surface features

14. New Horizon space probe’s visit to Pluto

15. Test questions

16. Cross-curricular activities

My name is Tony Ceraso and I will be your instructor. I sometimes run the planetarium and have written curriculum for the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. I have also written curriculum for NASA’s school visitation program and teach on the college level in NJ.

My goal is for you to thoroughly enjoy this lesson. I love astronomy and I want nothing more out of our time together than for you to have a greater appreciation for the universe through the understanding of this material. Besides the lesson I’m going to preview for you now, the course includes warm up activities, test questions, and cross-curricular activities for you to download as a supplement.