. (photo courtesy of aps.org)

2009 has been designated the International Year of Astronomy. It also marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first use of the telescope to observe the heavens. For a description of the events and activities involving the year, including ones specifically to commemorate this anniversary, see, www.astronomy2009.org. Get involved!

The International Astronomical Union voted to approve a new definition of "planet." As a result, Pluto is no longer categorized as a planet. Rather, it is in a new category called "dwarf planet" along with at least two other Solar System objects -- Ceres, an asteroid, and UB313 (nicknamed "Xena"), an inner Oort Cloud object.

The action by the IAU came the day after Anchorage Rotary formally dedicated the Anchorage Light Speed Planet Walk to the Municipality of Anchorage for the enjoyment of visitors to the walk directly or vicariously through our website. While the planet signs along the walk include Pluto as one of the traditional planets, you can learn more about the recent IAU action and about other wonders of our Solar System and the Universe beyond by walking the walk or visiting our website and links from it.