From: avatar (avatar@renegadeclothing.com.au)
Date: Thu Jan 09 2003 - 21:47:41 MST
"California Über Alles" goes the line the Dead Kennedy's penned...
=Quaoar the planet=
interesting to note how times have changed since 1930, when
it was still regarded as gauche to name Pluto anything other than a
Romano-Greek deity, by Americans themselves... even in 1978, the
American discoverers of Charon still felt impelled by Spockian logic
towards "heritage" value... now the great force of creation of the Tongva
Californian tribe takes its place alongside Mercury and his chums...
thanks to CalTech dreaming.
I find it strange that no one has publicly noted the disparity. Okay, perhaps
it's not a planet but a Kuiper ring object like Pluto, but what the hey, I come from
a "continent" that also an "island" (Australia) (formerly New Holland). It is
an interesting note that consistency has been thrown out. Sociologically
interesting. (I assume the relevant astronomical scientific body will
approve the two discoverer's choice, if it hasn't already)
Also, if it hasn't happened already...
What's the bet for which year some astronomer names an asteroid or comet
or star or other body after Coca-Cola in return for sponsorship money?
My guess: 2007 (no rational reason).
My cousin used to do promotion for Coke advertising for an Australian State. Maybe
I should suggest it to her!
"Good"... or "Bad"? After all, Coca-Cola has given us the colours of "Father Christmas"
in the past. Perhaps we're lucky Quaoar isn't Cokeorelse!
Towards Ascension
Avatar Polymorph
34 After Armstrong
(P.S. Does anyone know if the rules of the relevant international body for astronomers
prohibits "rude" or "commercial" names?)
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