Curiosity Retreats Lectures Season 3 Episode 3 To Pluto And Beyond

To Pluto and Beyond is the third episode of the third season of Curiosity Retreats Lectures. In this episode, a group of scientists and researchers come together to discuss the latest findings about Pluto and the outer edges of our solar system.

The lecture is presented by Dr. Scott Kenyon, a research scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and Dr. Josh Colwell, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Central Florida. Both scientists have extensive experience studying the outer reaches of our solar system, and their combined knowledge and expertise make for an engaging and enlightening lecture.

The episode begins with an overview of the history of Pluto, from its discovery in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh to the controversial decision to reclassify it as a "dwarf planet" in 2006. The speakers then delve into the latest research on Pluto, including data gathered by the New Horizons spacecraft during its flyby in 2015.

One of the key topics of the lecture is the debate over whether Pluto should be considered a planet or not. Dr. Kenyon and Dr. Colwell present arguments for both sides of the debate, weighing the scientific evidence and considering the impact of cultural and emotional attachments to the term "planet."

The episode also explores the Kuiper Belt, a region of space beyond the orbit of Neptune that contains numerous icy bodies similar to Pluto. The speakers discuss the history of Kuiper Belt research, the challenges of studying these distant objects, and the important information they can provide about the early solar system.

Throughout the lecture, Dr. Kenyon and Dr. Colwell emphasize the importance of continued research into Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. They highlight the potential discoveries that could be made by future missions, such as a proposed orbiter that would study Pluto up close for an extended period of time.

Overall, To Pluto and Beyond is a fascinating exploration of one of the most interesting and mysterious regions of our solar system. Through the insights of two seasoned scientists, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the history, science, and potential future discoveries of Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.