Posted on 09/06/2001 9:54:36 AM PDT by Physicist
Name that telescope and win a prize
Space Shorts: NASA solicits suggestions for SIRTF’s new title
Sept. 3 — NASA is asking Earthlings to find a friendly name for a new space-based observatory that will allow scientists to search for new planets at the farthest reaches of the universe. The observatory, due to be launched in the summer of 2002, is currently called the Space Infrared Telescope Facility, or SIRTF.
“WE ARE HOPING to tap the creativity of the public to find a name suitable for this important mission that will help enrich our knowledge of the universe,” said Doris Daou, an education and outreach spokeswoman for the mission, which is being managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Members of the public have previously dreamed up the names for the Hubble Space Telescope (named after astronomer Edwin Hubble), the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (named after astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar) and the Sojourner rover used in the Mars Pathfinder mission (named after Sojourner Truth, a black abolitionist and advocate of women’s rights).
The SIRTF will allow scientists to study objects by looking for the heat they radiate in the infrared wavelength and will search for dusty discs around other stars where planets might be forming.
The deadline for nominations is Dec. 20 and must be accompanied by a short essay explaining the reasons behind the suggested name. If the name of a person is proposed, the person must be deceased.
The grand-prize winner will be flown to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the telescope’s launch. More details are available via the contest’s Web site.
Make that the "Chandra X-rated Telly-soap."
So let's call it . . .
BIG NEWTON
Well, if THATS were you want to go with this, then, in keeping with the tradition of naming things for DEAD people, I must insist that we substitute the Waddster for Jeremy.
Yes, the JOHN HOLMES (aka "Johnny Wadd") Memorial ENORMOUS INFRARED TELESCOPE.
Yup, first there was the "Hubble," now there will be a "Holmes" to match it!
A fitting tribute for a really big guy....
Yep. That's the guy. Worked out the equations for planetary precession. Fascinating stuff.
I may have gotten the spelling wrong, but I don't think so. I'll have to go look.
Yes, you were right. I just looked it up. Correct spelling is Kepler. So sorry.
"... in some worlds there is no Sun and Moon, in others they are larger than in our world, and in others more numerous... in some parts there are more worlds, in others fewer; some are increasing, some at their height, some decreasing... There are some worlds devoid of living creatures or plants or any moisture."
Democritus, c. 400 B.C.
(Thanks for the bump!)
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