Should That Minor Planet Be Named Gonggong? Astronomers Want the Public’s Help

[invis]

In the far reaches of the solar system, beyond Neptune, there is a minor planet orbiting the sun in a sea of icy debris.

Humans have known about the reddish, round object for more than a decade. Since 2007, scientists have estimated that it has a diameter of 775 miles — about half the size of Pluto — and most likely has methane on its surface.

But they still don’t know what to call it.

This week, the astronomers who discovered the minor planet said they wanted the public to weigh in on the chosen name. Offering up three options to choose from, they invited anyone to vote on the name that they will eventually submit to the International Astronomical Union, which must approve the official name.

Full article at https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/science/2007-or10-dwarf-planet.html

[XianGe]

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3 hours ago, XianGe said:

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