Chapter 6, Problem 35EAP

Group Discussion: Who Named the Planets? The names of the five planets that can be seen with the naked eye have been in use in the western world for thousands of years. However, beginning with the discover-ies of Uranus in 1781 and Neptune in 1846, scientists needed to find names for planets and other newly discovered objects.

a. Working in small groups, find out how Uranus and Neptune came to have their current names in English. Do you think these name choices made sense? Do you think the process that led to these names was “fair”? Why or why not?

b. Each member of your group should learn about the names of Uranus and Neptune in two other languages, at least one of which is non-European. Discuss the similarities and differences you find among the names in different languages.

c. Find out what names were considered for Pluto after its discov-ery in 1930, who suggested the name “Pluto,” and how it came to be official. Are you surprised about who suggested the name?

d. Find out how newly discovered objects (such as moons and asteroids) and surface features (such as those recently identi-fied on Mars, Ceres, and Pluto) get their official names today. Do you think this process is appropriate? Make a list of other possibilities that might be considered (for example, allowing the discoverers to choose names or choosing through public, online competitions). If your group were in charge, would you change the current naming process in any way?