At our September 17th meeting, Bernie Bopp, Professor of Astronomy emeritus, will talk about the far reaches of our solar system. About his presentation, Bernie writes:

“In 2006 the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to redefine the term “planet,” resulting in Pluto’s demotion to the new category of “dwarf planet” and annoying many people outside astronomy. I will explain why the IAU had no choice — the dwarf planet category had to be created. Observations of the Kuiper Belt (a region about 30 - 50 times the distance of the Earth from the Sun) had revealed many objects the size of Pluto or larger. We’ll describe Kuiper Belt objects like Sedna, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris which are Pluto-sized or larger — the dwarf planets. More dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt remain to be found!”

At our meeting we will also have Ken Martin’s slide show of astrophotos shared on our email list since the last meeting, displayed in all their glory on the planetarium dome.

The meeting is at 7:00 on Thursday, September 17th at the Eugene Science Center planetarium, 2300 Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene (behind Autzen Stadium).

*Special EAS award: Longest Presentation Title