Earth’s Quasi-Moon: Vote for Its New Name
Help Name Earth’s Temporary Companion: Vote for Our New ‘quasi-Moon’!
Have you ever dreamed of naming a celestial object? Now’s your chance! Earlier this year, the science podcast Radiolab teamed up with the international Astronomical Union (IAU) to give the public a once-in-a-lifetime chance: naming earth’s temporary companion, asteroid (164207) 2004 GU9.
This 500-foot-wide space rock,classified as a “quasi-moon,” orbits the sun in a path similar to Earth’s,making it a temporary neighbor for the next 600 years before it ventures off into the vastness of space.
After receiving nearly 3,000 name suggestions from over 90 countries, a panel of experts, including TV’s “Science Guy” Bill Nye, has narrowed the field down to seven finalists.
the Finalists:
Each name reflects the rich tapestry of global mythology:
Bakunawa (Filipino)
Cardea (Roman)
Ehaema (Estonian)
Enkidu (Sumerian)
Ótr (Norse)
Tarriaksuk (Inuit)
Tecciztecatl (Aztec)
“How lucky are we that we get to name something in space that will outlive us all?!” exclaimed Radiolab co-host Latif Nasser. “we paired up with the International Astronomical Union to make sure that anyone in the whole world can vote and hopefully find some wonder and inspiration along the way.Narrowing down the thousands of submissions was hard, but I can’t wait to see which name the world chooses!”
Cast Your Vote!
Ready to make your mark on the cosmos? Visit the contest homepage at https://radiolab.org/quasi-moon to learn more about the finalists and cast your vote. Voting closes on january 1, 2025.
Meet the Judges:
the esteemed panel responsible for selecting the finalists includes:
Bill Nye, science communicator and CEO of The Planetary Society
Penn Badgley, actor and producer, known for roles on “Gossip Girl” and “You”
Celia Rose Gooding, actor who plays Nyota Uhura on “Star Trek: Strange New worlds”
Jacob Pinter, producer and co-host of NASA’s “Curious Universe” podcast
Moiya McTier, astrophysicist, author, and host of the “Exolore” and “Pale Blue Pod” podcasts
Salman Hameed, science educator and founder and CEO of Kainaat Studios
Sofia Rojas, postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles
Wanda Diaz Merced, astrophysicist and pioneer in sonification
Sean carroll, author and theoretical physicist; Homewood Professor of Natural Ideology at Johns Hopkins University
Don’t miss this chance to be part of astronomical history!
Naming Earth’s Temporary Companion: An Interview with Dr. Sofia Rojas
NewsDirect3.com: dr. Rojas, you’re part of the esteemed panel selecting the name for Earth’s newly discovered quasi-moon. What an incredible honor! Could you tell us a bit about your role in this process?
Dr. Sofia Rojas: It’s truly been a privilege to be involved in such a unique project.
We received thousands of submissions from around the globe, showcasing the rich diversity of human mythology and connection to the cosmos. My role, along with the other panelists, has been to carefully review these suggestions, considering their cultural meaning, phonetic appeal, and appropriateness for a celestial body.
NewsDirect3.com: Narrowing down such a vast pool of names must have been challenging. What were some of the key factors guiding your decision-making process?
dr. Rojas: Absolutely. It was a arduous but rewarding task.
We looked for names that resonated with a global audience, reflecting our shared humanity and captivation with space. We also considered the scientific context,ensuring the name fit the nature of a quasi-moon,a temporary companion to Earth.
Ultimately, we aimed to select names that are both meaningful and memorable, fostering a sense of wonder and inspiration.
NewsDirect3.com: The finalists represent a diverse range of cultures. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of inclusivity in this naming process?
Dr. Rojas: Inclusivity is paramount. By incorporating names from diffrent cultures, we acknowledge the global human desire to understand and connect with the cosmos.
This project highlights the power of stories and how they bridge cultural divides.
It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of the international scientific community and the broader public.
NewsDirect3.com: What message would you like to impart to the public as they cast their votes?
Dr. Rojas: I encourage everyone to engage with this opportunity. Research the finalists, learn about their origins and significance. This isn’t just about choosing a name; it’s about connecting with our shared human history and our place in the vast universe.
Ultimately, the name we choose will become part of scientific and cultural heritage, a lasting legacy for generations to come.