* Astronomy

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Home -> Astronomy News -> Astronomy News -> Astronomical nomenclature
Post Info TOPIC: Astronomical nomenclature
Blobrana


L

Posts: 131433
Date:
RE: Astronomical nomenclature
Permalink  
 

You just can't slap a name on an asteroid just because you discover it.
I learned this today after speaking to Calvin College professor Larry Molnar, who, with the help of colleagues and students, is correcting an oversight by naming an asteroid they discovered after Benjamin Banneker, considered the country's first black scientist.
Molnar and history professor Eric Washington plan to discuss their naming decision and tell the story of Banneker's amazing life at a presentation set for 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the Calvin College Science Building.
Read more

__________________
Blobrana


L

Posts: 131433
Date:
Permalink  
 

Labelling celestial objects has a complicated past.

John Cleese is coming to Australia today. In fact, he's coming to the whole world. However, on the night of the full moon, November 2, he'll be closer to hell.
Fortunately, asteroid 9618 Johncleese, discovered in 1993, doesn't ever cross Earth's orbit and there's no danger of a collision. Fortuitously, its closest passage to Earth is just in time to honour the real John Cleese's 70th birthday this week - but hell? All will be revealed, though the above does pose questions about the nomenclature of astronomical objects.
Read more

-- Edited by Blobrana on Wednesday 3rd of February 2010 04:00:11 PM

__________________
«First  <  1 2 | Page of 2  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Home -> Astronomy News -> Astronomy News -> Astronomical nomenclature


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard