Hate Mail from Third Graders
Taylor's apology
March 26, 2008
By the spring of 2008, the mail Neil received from schoolkids and scientists alike generally had a conciliatory tone. With some notable exceptions (including the states of New Mexico and Illinois, both of which passed legislation declaring Pluto's full-planet stature), the public was coming to terms with Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet. Taylor Williams' note to Neil was particularly sweet.