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NASA is going to change nasty names of planets and other space phenomena


Last update 12:44


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The American space agency NASA takes action on the basis of the progressive insight that certain names and worship are undesirable. “In identifying and addressing systemic discrimination and inequality in all aspects of the field, it has become clear that certain cosmic nicknames can be not only insensitive but also truly harmful.”

For example, one measure that will take effect immediately is to change references to planetary nebula NGC 2392 as the “Eskimo Nebula.” The dying star, discovered by William Herschel in 1787, is 6,500 light years away and visible from Earth with a small telescope. “Eskimo is widely seen as a colonial term with a racist history imposed on the indigenous inhabitants of the polar regions.”

Another example is the dropping of the nickname ‘Siamese twin galaxy’, also discovered by Herschel, for the galaxies NGC 4567 and NGC 4568. “These nicknames have historical and cultural designations that are objectionable or undesirable and NASA is committed to something to do about it. Science depends on diverse contributions and serves everyone, so that means we have to make it inclusive too, ”says NASA in a statement.

cc-photo: NASA Hubble Telescope

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