Saturday, February 16, 2013

Name Pluto's New Moons


Astronomers have discovered two new moons orbiting Pluto, and the SETI Institute has an online ballot so the public can vote on their names. These names will then be proposed by the SETI Institute to the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Right now there are 21 names on the ballot and you can propose other names with the write in form. If they like your names they may add them to the ballot! More information is on the Pluto Rocks blog: http://www.plutorocks.com/blog

Pluto's three existing moons are Charon, Nix, and Hydra. Charon was the ferryman of Hades. Nix was the goddess of the night, and mother of Charon. Hydra is named after the nine-headed serpent that Hercules battled. Pluto itself is another name for Hades, god of the underworld.

 I voted for Cerberus, the three headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld, and his two headed 'brother' Orthrus. I'd love to hear what names you guys have voted for!

The official ballot can be found here: http://www.plutorocks.com/


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5 comments:

  1. ElizabethFebruary 16, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    I voted for Persephone and Eurydice.

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  2. UnknownFebruary 18, 2013 at 5:32 AM

    Cerberus was one that popped into my head before I even finished reading your post :)

    I voted for Cerberus and Eurydice.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:10 PM

    I voted for Hecate, I love that name. Cerberus is a good choice though. Pluto needs more love.

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  4. Waltzing More Than MatildaFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:35 PM

    Wow Vulcan is streets ahead in the voting! Some keen Trekkers I fancy.

    I voted for Orpheus.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ClareFebruary 24, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    I'm surprised that Vulcan is doing so well. I guess the Trekkies are flooding the vote! :> I thought about Persephone too, but went with the dogs instead.

    ReplyDelete

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