It’s not often that scientists get the opportunity to name new moons discovered orbiting a planet in our solar system. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the body charged with making official name designations for celestial bodies, and its rules state that the names have to come from mythology. This is how the second and third place winners in the public poll to name objects formally known as P5 and P4 orbiting Pluto got their names.
The Naming Process
The winning name in the public poll was Vulcan, the name of the planet where Spock is from in the Star Trek universe. Even though Vulcan won the vote, it was vetoed because it doesn’t come from mythology. The IAU’s strict guidelines ensure that names are consistent with mythological themes, which helps maintain a sense of tradition and order in astronomical naming conventions. Therefore, the two winning names were the second and third place selections on the list.
Meet Styx and Kerberos
Pluto’s two recently discovered moons are now officially known as Styx and Kerberos. Styx is named after the mythical river that separates the living from the dead, a significant feature in Greek mythology. This river was often depicted as a boundary between Earth and the Underworld, and it was believed that souls had to cross it to reach their final resting place.
Kerberos, on the other hand, is named after the mythical three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the Underworld. Known more commonly by its Latinized name, Cerberus, this creature prevented the dead from leaving and the living from entering. The choice of these names not only aligns with the mythological theme but also complements Pluto’s name, which itself is derived from the Roman god of the Underworld.
P4 and P5 were discovered in July 2011 and July 2012, respectively. They were identified when a team using the Hubble Space Telescope noted the new moons while searching for rings around the dwarf planet Pluto. The discovery of these moons has provided scientists with more insight into the complex and dynamic system of Pluto and its satellites.
Interestingly, the discovery of these moons has also sparked discussions about the potential for even more moons around Pluto. Given the advancements in telescope technology and the increasing interest in exploring the outer reaches of our solar system, it’s possible that future missions could reveal additional celestial bodies orbiting Pluto.
The naming of celestial bodies is not just a matter of tradition; it also has practical implications. Names help astronomers communicate more effectively about their observations and research. For instance, referring to a moon by a specific name rather than a numerical designation like P4 or P5 makes it easier to discuss its characteristics and behavior.
Moreover, the public’s involvement in the naming process highlights the growing interest in space exploration and astronomy. Public polls and votes engage people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of connection to the discoveries being made. This engagement is crucial for the continued support of scientific endeavors and space missions.
The naming of Pluto’s new moons, Styx and Kerberos, is a fascinating example of how mythology, science, and public interest intersect. As we continue to explore our solar system, the discovery and naming of new celestial bodies will undoubtedly remain an exciting and collaborative process.
via BBC
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