The Pluto Files by Neil deGrasse Tyson – Why America’s Favorite Planet Got Demoted
The Pluto Files
The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet
by Neil deGrasse Tyson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (392 reviews) | 3.9 on Goodreads (7,167 ratings)
📚 Quick Facts
- Pages: 224
- Publisher: W. W. Norton
- Published: Jan 26, 2009
- Format: Hardcover
- Price: $8.45 – $21.18
- Rank: #53 in Astronomy
🪐 America’s Love Affair with Pluto
The New York Times best-selling author chronicles America’s love affair with Pluto, man’s best (celestial) friend. In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, you’d wonder if Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate, the public rallied behind the extraterrestrial underdog in an unprecedented way.
Disney created an irresistible pup by the same name, and as one NASA scientist put it, Pluto was “discovered by an American for America.” Pluto is entrenched in our cultural, patriotic view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is on a quest to discover why. Only Tyson can tell this story: he was involved in the first exhibits to demote Pluto, and consequently, Pluto lovers have freely shared their opinions with him, including endless hate mail from third graders.
💬 “In his typically witty way, Tyson explores the history of a planet that has recently been judged a dwarf.”
— Amazon Editorial Review
✨ What Makes This Book Special
😂
Witty & Entertaining
Tyson’s trademark humor makes planetary science hilarious
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Cultural History
Explores why Americans fell in love with this distant world
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Insider Perspective
Tyson was directly involved in Pluto’s demotion
🌠 What You’ll Discover
- 🪐 Pluto’s discovery story — How an American found it
- 📊 The demotion debate — Why astronomers voted it out
- 🎬 Pop culture impact — From Disney to NASA
- 📮 Public reaction — The angry letters (even from kids!)
- 🔬 Scientific evidence — What makes a planet?
- 🇺🇸 American identity — Why we loved Pluto so much
- 🏛️ Museum exhibits — Tyson’s role in the controversy
- 📸 35 color images — Stunning planetary visuals
💭 What Readers Are Saying
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“A delightful and entertaining read! Tyson’s humor shines through as he explains the science behind Pluto’s demotion while sharing hilarious reactions from the public. Perfect blend of education and entertainment.”
— Jennifer M., Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Only Neil deGrasse Tyson could make the story of a planet’s demotion this fascinating. The hate mail from third graders alone is worth the read. Brilliant mix of science, history, and culture.”
— David K., Goodreads Reviewer
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“Tyson brilliantly explores why Americans developed such a deep emotional connection to Pluto. It’s not just about astronomy—it’s about culture, identity, and our place in the cosmos.”
— Rachel P., Amazon Reviewer
Discover the Story Behind Pluto’s Demotion
Join thousands of readers who have discovered why Americans fell in love with this distant dwarf planet. A New York Times bestseller with humor, science, and heart.
📦 Free shipping available | ⭐ 4.5/5 stars from 392+ reviews
