Planet program at Planetarium probes the solar system | Events

So how many planets are there in our solar system? Nine, right? Or is it eight? The answer may surprise you. After seventy years as a planet, the International Astronomical Union recently demoted Pluto to a dwarf planet. In many people’s minds Pluto is still a planet, but what changed the Astronomers’ opinions?

The first Koch Planetarium program of 2012 examines the continuing debate over what constitutes a planet and exactly how many planets there are in the solar system. EIGHT PLANETS AND COUNTING looks at the variety of objects that populate our solar system and provides an up-to-date tour.

Examine the solar system while enjoying spectacular photographs, exciting new discoveries beyond Pluto, and what it takes to make the cut as a planet.

Presentations of Eight Planets and Counting will be offered in the Koch Planetarium Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. through May 27.