Podcast on "Planet"

16 January 2012

I’ve done another podcast for 365 Days of Astronomy. This one is on the definition of “planet” and how the scientists at the IAU erred back in 2006 when they tried to come up with one. They should have consulted some lexicographers first.

The podcast is available for download and the transcript can be read at the 365 Days website.

[As I push the “publish” button, the podcast is not yet available for download, but it should be shortly. The transcript is available.]

Etched in Stone?

14 January 2012

This Washington Post piece is a succinct illustration of how editors often do violence to quotations, and it shows that even something literally etched in stone can be changed.