by Dan Bloom, producer
Known for over seventy years as our solar system’s ninth planet, Pluto was demoted to ‘dwarf planet’ in 2006. Bob’s first guest, Mike Brown was one of the principal astronomers responsible for discoveries that scuttled Pluto’s planetary status. His twitter name says it all: PlutoKiller. Brown delivered his explanation well and came across as a truly likable guy, but that doesn’t heal the wounds of millions who knew Pluto as a planet for their entire lives. When explanations and proofs just aren’t enough, it’s time to call in the artists.
Michael Hearst is a writer and musician, and his band ‘One Ring Zero’ decided to channel their support for Pluto into an album, simply titled “Planets.” The album is full of interesting instrumentation and contains a song for each planet, including Pluto. Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson said of their work: “Was enjoying One Ring Zero’s Planets album until a track called ‘Pluto’ came on. What’s up with that?”
‘One Ring Zero’ isn’t trying to convince anyone that Pluto is still a planet, they’re just paying tribute to an old friend.
Visit One Ring Zero’s website for music, tourdates and upcoming projects
One Ring Zero’s album ‘Planets’ website
One Ring Zero twitter / Michael Hearst twitter
View One Ring Zero’s music video for the song “Venus”