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Mike Brown

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description Mike Brown Overview

Mike Brown is an American astronomer and professor of planetary astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He specializes in the discovery and study of trans-Neptunian objects and the outer solar system. Brown led the teams that discovered several distant bodies, including the dwarf planets Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. The discovery of Eris, a body initially thought to be larger than Pluto, was a primary catalyst for the International Astronomical Union's 2006 decision to formally redefine the criteria for a planet, which resulted in Pluto's reclassification.

help Mike Brown FAQ

What dwarf planet did Mike Brown discover?

Caltech astronomer Mike Brown co-discovered the dwarf planet Eris in 2005. The discovery of Eris, an object more massive than Pluto, directly precipitated Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet by the IAU in 2006.

Why is Mike Brown called the man who killed Pluto?

He earned this nickname because his team's discovery of Eris forced the International Astronomical Union to formally define what constitutes a planet. This new definition, established in 2006, resulted in Pluto being demoted to dwarf planet status.

What book did Mike Brown write about Pluto?

Brown authored a popular science memoir titled "How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming." The book details his research, his discoveries of numerous trans-Neptunian objects, and the astronomical debate surrounding Pluto.

What other objects besides Eris did Mike Brown discover?

Beyond Eris, Brown and his team discovered several other massive trans-Neptunian objects. These include Sedna, Haumea, and Makemake, all of which significantly expanded our understanding of the outer solar system.