Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, author of a new book called The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet got lots of laughs on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart talking about how New Mexico passed legislation that keeps the designation of planet for Pluto in New Mexico -- even though scientists such as Tyson insist it's not really a full-fledged planet.
He apparently was referring to a 2007 joint resolution introduced by Rep. Joni Marie Gutierrez, D-Las Cruces in 2007. (HJR54 to be exact.)
Our connection to Pluto? Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of the former planet, lived in Dona Ana County -- though deGrasse Tyson pointed out, he actually discovered Pluto while working in Arizona.
deGrasse Tyson knows his astrophysics but he's a little fuzzy on the New Mexico Legislature.
HJR54 did pass the House -- 70-to-0 to be exact. However, Gutierrez's measure apparently died in the Senate -- which apparently has something against Pluto.
UPDATE: Here's video of the deGrasse Tyson interview:
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