National Park Service: Ok, Let’s Talk About Pluto

Dr. Logan Pearce explores one of the most popular questions in astronomy: “What do you think about Pluto?” In this engaging talk, Dr. Pearce guides the audience through the history of Pluto’s discovery and its initial classification as a planet, while examining how scientific classifications are made—and why they can change with new information. Attendees will explore the challenges of defining a planet and gain a deeper appreciation for Pluto as a unique and fascinating world in our solar system. The talk concludes by inviting the audience to consider Pluto’s place among the planets themselves.

Dr. Logan Pearce is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan with a PhD from the University of Arizona. Dr. Pearce’s work focuses on the detection and characterization of exoplanets, particularly advancing observing techniques for hard-to-detect planets and those orbiting white dwarf stars. She will be conducting a variety of constellation tours, moon viewings, and public programs on topics including planets, aliens, and dark skies. Dr. Pearce also plans to produce infographics and graphic designs advocating for the preservation of dark skies.

Inside the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater

Ages 6+