Stephen Colbert to appear in “The Pluto Files” on PBS
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Here’s something that looks like fun for all of us space geeks! On March 2nd, PBS is scheduled to air The Pluto Files, hosted by rockstar astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and based on his book of the same name. From the program description on the show’s web site:
The Pluto Files
Premiere broadcast on PBS: March 2, 2010
. . .From Boston to California, Tyson’s spirited journey explores the history of Pluto — from the time of its discovery to its fall from planethood. Along the way, Tyson meets a fascinating cast of characters, from scientists who argue over Pluto’s status to die-hard “Plutophiles” — regardless of where they stand they have one thing in common: strong opinions about Pluto. “The Pluto Files” also includes special appearances by Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Diane Sawyer, and Brian Williams, who share their affection for the former planet. “I’m sorry, I thought planets might be one of the constants in life,” Colbert jests. “But scientists just love change more than anything else. I’m sorry that’s not change I can believe in.”
. . .
There’s a preview of the program posted on PBS’ web site which I can’t embed here, but you can catch a glimpse of Dr. Tyson being interviewed on both The Daily Show and the Report. There’s also a promo video up on YouTube, in which Jon Stewart calls Dr. Tyson a “galactic despot” and Brian Williams gets in a little dig at Stewart and Colbert. This is going to be so entertaining!
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5 Comments
February 5th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
This sounds hilarious, and what a good way to get audiences into astronomy again. When I was growing up my brother built a telescope and we were fascinated by these things but I don’t think it’s so popular today. I actually don’t remember the reason why Pluto’s not supposed to be a planet anymore – I have to agree that to me it still is :)
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February 5th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
oh, gosh, that preview was funny, esp the last part! haha
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February 5th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Ohhh, this can only mean fun!! I love Neil DeGrasse Tyson and if you throw in Jon, Stephen and Brian Williams?! This is gonna be fantastic.
I kind of like that Brian called them “Messrs.” Stewart and Colbert. :P
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February 6th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Dr. Tyson, Jon Stewart, Brian Williams, and Stephen all on the same show? And it’s about Pluto? YES PLEASE. This is going to be so massive! :D
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February 6th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
The IAU demotion is not change we should believe in. Only four percent of the IAU voted on the controversial demotion, and most are not planetary scientists. Their decision was immediately opposed in a formal petition by hundreds of professional astronomers led by Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto. One reason the IAU definition makes no sense is it says dwarf planets are not planets at all! That is like saying a grizzly bear is not a bear, and it is inconsistent with the use of the term “dwarf” in astronomy, where dwarf stars are still stars, and dwarf galaxies are still galaxies. Also, the IAU definition classifies objects solely by where they are while ignoring what they are. If Earth were in Pluto’s orbit, according to the IAU definition, it would not be a planet either. A definition that takes the same object and makes it a planet in one location and not a planet in another is essentially useless. Pluto is a planet because it is spherical, meaning it is large enough to be pulled into a round shape by its own gravity–a state known as hydrostatic equilibrium and characteristic of planets, not of shapeless asteroids held together by chemical bonds. These reasons are why many astronomers, lay people, and educators are either ignoring the demotion entirely or working to get it overturned.
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