NASA announces that it refrains from using astronomical names including discriminatory words such as 'Eskimo' and 'Siamese twins'
On August 5, 2020, the
NASA to Reexamine Nicknames for Cosmic Objects | NASA
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-reexamine-nicknames-for-cosmic-objects
Some celestial bodies discovered in space have various nicknames, such as 'Barnard 33,' which is called the Horsehead Nebula because it resembles the shape of a horse's head. These nicknames are often used because they are easier to remember than alphabetic and numbered names, but some are said to contain words that are inappropriate for public use.
by
Regarding the use of unconsidered celestial names, NASA said on the official website, ``As the scientific community strives to eliminate systematic discrimination and inequality from various perspectives, the nicknames of certain celestial bodies are only insensitive. However, NASA is part of its commitment to inclusion, which means diversity, equity, and equal access to people with disabilities. As a result, we are considering how to use some informal terms.'
NASA has named the first celestial object to be re-used as 'Eskimo Nebula (NGC2392)' and 'Siamese Twin Galaxy (NGC4567 and NGC4568).' The 'Eskimo Nebula' was named because it has a shape similar to the people of Eskimo wearing a fur hood when observed from the ground, but the name 'Eskimo' was used in an insulting sense. It is also a word. Also, the two galaxies NGC4567 and NGC4568 are sometimes called 'Siamese twins galaxies' because they are merging due to the collision, but 'Siamese twins' are Thai famous prominent twins Bunker brothers circus. It was the name I used when I was touring as a show.
by Judy Schmidt
NASA pointed out about celestial nicknames, 'Many are more familiar and easier to remember than official names, but even if they seem harmless, they are actually harmful and often depart from the idea of science.' .. In the future, he said he will work with diversity and impartiality experts to develop guidelines for reviewing nickname terms for celestial bodies.
'I support the effort to reevaluate astronomical names,' said Thomas Zabuken, Deputy Director of Science Missions at NASA Headquarters. Our goal is to make all names diverse and inclusion. It is in line with our values that we are actively working with the scientific community to do so, because science is for everyone, and our work in science is It has to reflect the value.'
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