Pluto fans champion underworld names for mini-moons

by Lauren O'Neil Posted: February 11, 2013 4:27 PM Last Updated: February 11, 2013 5:17 PM

Categories: Community, Science & Technology

View the story "Pluto fans champion underworld names for mini-moons" on StorifyPluto fans champion underworld names for mini-moonsStorified by CBC News Community· Mon, Feb 11 2013 13:34:49AmazonawsPluto's tiniest moons, hastily dubbed "P4" and"P5" when they were discovered, are in need of some permanent, significantly darker new names -- and astronomers are turning to the public for help in finding some.
GoogleSpotted by the Hubble Space Telescopein 2011 and2012respectively, Pluto's newest moons join the icy dwarf planet in a group of astronomical objectsnamed after mythological characters from the Greek and Roman underworld.

Pluto itself was named after mythological god of theunderworld Plouton (also known as Hades) when it was discovered in 1930 and itsfirst three moons are called Charon (ferrier of souls into the underworld,) Nix (Greek goddess of night) and Hydra (nine-headed monster guarding an entrance to the underworld.)

Barewalls

In keeping with the planet's current naming conventions, theP4/P5 discovery team at the SETI Institute is asking people to vote on namesrelated to tales about Hades and the Underworld.

"The Greeks were great storytellers and the 'Minionsof Hades' are a colorful cast of characters," wrote Mark Showalter of the SETIInstitute on plutorocks.com, a website set up specifically for the public tovote on new names. Pluto Rocks!Help Us Name the Tiniest Moons of Pluto!

Voting is open until Feb. 25 and the entire site can betranslated into one of 12 languages for people all over the world to learn moreabout the proposed names.

"Alternatively, if you have a great idea for a namethat we have overlooked, let us know by filling out the write-in form.If you can make a good case for it, we will add it to the list," reads thewebsite.

Write-in submissions aren't visible on the voting website itself, but many are turning to Twitter with their suggestions.
Contenders listed on SETI's website include Styx (The river that separates Earth from theunderworld) and Cerberus (The three-headed dog who guards the gates to theunderworld), which are in the lead, followed by Persephone and Orpheus.

Many are campaigning for their favourites using social media.If you vote for Pluto's new moons and don't choose Orpheus and Eurydice, then I judge you a little. http://www.plutorocks.com/Russell SteinbergVote to name Pluto's moons (Via @SETIInstitute): http://bit.ly/WZT0Cl Our case for Alecto: http://bit.ly/plfchI #ClydeTombaughDavid DickinsonVote to name the newly discovered Moons of Pluto. Ihave to be partial to Styx because it makes the think of Mr Roboto. http://www.plutorocks.com/homeRob SparksI went with Eurydice and Persephone. Vote to Name Pluto's Smallest Moons | http://www.themarysue.com/vote-to-name-plutos-smallest-moons/ via @TheMarySueBonniePondering votes for when the Pluto-moons-naming poll starts. Fond of Orpheus/Eurydice since we can't now name all 4 little moons for rivers.Michele BannisterOthers ignored the rules and suggested names related to Disney's energetic canine version of Pluto, as opposed to underworld's dark lord.Fanpop@SETIInstitute #PlutoRocks Mickey and GoofyRoss Germon@SETIInstitute those moons should be named Mickey and Donald!Mario Cuauhxicalli@verge @Bitsnark #plutomoons Mickey, Donald, Ralph, Buzz, Kermit, Hannah, Simba... [pause] DisneyWorld!Rob GOthers were a bit more obscure in their suggestions; even a bit romantic!
@SETIInstitute #PlutoRocks should be named Marta & Claudio simply coz those r my name & my girlfriend's names :-) and we love eachother4everClauDioStarting a write-in movement to name one of Pluto's new moons, BIF! #plutorocksSaul KaplanHelp Name Two of Pluto's Moons http://bit.ly/12GlV23 [ My suggested name is not in the list: WOOP! (We Orbit Our Planet!) :) ]Exoplanetology.comSome, however, are are still bent up over the fact that Pluto isn't officially designated a planet anymore.

Pluto was known as the smallest planet in the solar system from 1930 until 2006, when it was downgraded to a dwarf planet.@SETIInstitute I will help name the moons as soon as Pluto is re-instituted as a planet.Stock PuppyWhy should the moons be named if Pluto is not a planet? RT @wiredscience: What should Pluto's tiniest moons be named?Michelle@Chris_TGDN this still just in. pluto is Still not a planet. Help name its satellites instead.Bill ShowWhat would you name Pluto's tiniest moons if you had the choice? Let us know in the comment section below.

Tags: storify

Previous PostCupid's algorithm: the great online dating debate

Back to Your Community Home

Next PostApple iWatch rumours put Dick Tracy fans on alert

Stay Connected with CBC News

Meet the Community Team

CBC News Community team, from left to right: Andrew Yates, Lauren O'Neil, Andrea Bellamare, John Bowman (Not shown: Andrea Lee-Greenberg, on leave)

If you're part of the CBC News community, you're likely to meet one of us: we're the folks working to produce and promote your stories. Read more about us.

Archives »

2013 (155)
- February (50)
- January (105)

Accessibility Links

CBC Global Navigation

CBC News Community

Major StoriesIn The News

CBC News Navigation

Pluto fans champion underworld names for mini-moons

More Stories under Community

More entries for category: Community

Stay Connected with CBC News

Meet the Community Team

Other Your Community Entries

Archives »

CBC Global Footer

CBC.ca

Corporate

Stay Connected

CBC Links

Accessibility Links

CBC News Community

Major StoriesIn The News

CBC News Navigation

Pluto fans champion underworld names for mini-moons

More Stories under Community

More entries for category: Community

Stay Connected with CBC News

Meet the Community Team

Other Your Community Entries

Tag Cloud

Categories

Archives »

CBC Global Footer

CBC.ca

Corporate

Stay Connected