Pluto’s Revenge

1. Pluto’s Revenge A Social Study of Astronomy Leah Jakaitis Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Research university in Troy, New York (3 hours from New York City) - Undergraduate population of 5 100 (B.S.); Graduate population of 1 200 (M.S., M.F.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.) - Five Schools of Study: Engineering, Science, Architecture, Humanities & Social Sciences, I.T., and Management - Heavy focus on individual and group research at all academic levels (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and post-doc), across all departments • All students must take a spectrum of math and science courses, regardless of intended major. All undergraduate degrees rewarded are Bachelor’s of Science.

3. Humanities & Social Sciences - H&SS School offers degrees in Communication, Electronic Arts, STS, Economics, etc. with focus on the technology/science in each field - Science & Technology Studies (STS) Program is an interdisciplinary major which awards a B.S. after four years of study (124 credit hours) - Focus is on the social impact of science and technology – common research topics include environment and design, medical sociology, ethics of technology, and sociology of science. • Commonly a dual-major with engineering or management, resulting in the awarding of a Product Design & Innovation Degree (PDI) • Graduate school awards M.S./Ph.D. in either STS or Environment, Economics, and Public Policy (EVPP) concentrations

4. Who am I? Leah Jakaitis - Studying abroad at Charles University for Spring 2007 semester - STS undergraduate with major concentrations in Sociology and Medical Anthropology, fourth year (graduating in May 2008) - Teaching Assistant/Lecturer for Introductory Sociology (100) and Religion & Society (400) courses Current Research: 1 STS Encyclopedia research assistant to editor-in-chief Dr. Sal Restivo (2007) 2 ‘Field Researcher’ for Pluto’s Revenge, a book about Pluto’s planetary status being worked on by Dr. Sal Restivo (2008 ?)

5. Pluto’s Revenge Goals of Research: - Interview members of the astronomical community about the IAU’s decision to revoke Pluto’s planetary status - Examine the history and background to astronomical rulings and Pluto’s status • Explore the scientific ramifications of the IAU vote in August ’06 • Critically analyze the steps taken to introduce and pass the IAU resolution • Look at the future impact the IAU resolution may have on astronomy, education, etc. • Ultimately, prepare a book for publication on the sociological aspect of astronomy

6. Pluto’s Revenge (Cont’d) Questions to Answer: • Why does Pluto’s status as a planet matter? (Why is it relevant to science?) • Why was the issue raised recently, instead of years ago? • What controversies surround the IAU vote? • What are the arguments for the resolution disqualifying Pluto as a planet in our solar system? • What are the potential flaws in the ruling? • Are the arguments presented in the resolution legitimate? • What is the impact on the astronomical community? • What are the opinions of members of the astronomical community?

7. How You Can Help I am looking for professors, researchers, astronomers and students in Prague to interview on the subject. Participate in an Interview: - Informal conversation about the IAU ruling, opinions, viewpoints, and issues - Any information will be kept anonymous unless explicitly given permission to quote or reference - Interviews take approximately 30 minutes, will be conducting them through 3 May. - Very flexible scheduling

8. Contact Information If you would like to participate in an interview, below is my contact information: Email:Jakail2@rpi.edu or Leah.Jakaitis@gmail.com Tel: +420 775 619 457 At a minimum, I would like to interview 5-6 individuals – though more are, of course, welcome. I want to hear all viewpoints on the subject, and would like to talk with anyone who has thoughts on the IAU resolution. A short research proposal is available

9. Thank you !