NASA is joining the ever-growing list of organizations and companies that are re-examining their naming system, removing names that are “unfathomable” and “harmful” from their vocabulary. Aunt Jemima, The Chicks, Mrs. A, Mrs. Butterworth’s, de Washington Football Team – and now, celestial objects – have all undergone a rebrand.
“Eskimo Nebula” and “Siamese Twins Galaxy” are just two examples of nicknames that will retire, the space agency announced this week. “Often seemingly innocent nicknames can be harmful and limit science,” it said.
Celestial objects such as planets, galaxies and nebulae are often given unofficial nicknames, as their official names are typically a series of letters and numbers. However, NASA said some of the names are offensive, and they plan to retire.
“While the scientific community is working to identify and address systemic discrimination and inequality in all aspects of the field, it has become clear that certain cosmic nicknames are not only insensitive but can be actively harmful,” the agency said. “NASA is exploring its use of unofficial terminology for cosmic objects as part of its commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.”
NASA said it would no longer refer to planetary nebula NGC 2392, the glowing remnants of a sun-like star near the end of its life, as the “Eskimo Nebula.” It acknowledged the racist origins of the term.
Many indigenous people consider Eskimo a destructive term, because non-native colonizers mean the “eater of raw meat”, with barbarism. In June is Dreyer’s Ice Cream throws the name down “Eskimo Pie” after almost 100 years.
In addition, the agency will no longer refer to the spiral galaxies NGC 4567 and NGC 4568 as the “Siamese Twins Galaxy.”
“Siamese twins” is an outdated term used to refer to cohesive twins, originally inspired by brothers Chang and Eng Bunker, who were born in Siam, present-day Thailand. The twins performed in “freak shows” in the 19th century for European and American audiences.
NASA said it would only use official International Astronomical Union designations to refer to objects that had previously “unusual” nicknames.
“Our goal is for all names to be consistent with our values of diversity and inclusion, and we will work proactively with the scientific community to ensure that. Science is for everyone, and every facet of our work must reflect that value,” he said. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
The agency said it is working with experts, inclusion and equity experts to recommend other nicknames and terms for moving objects.
“These nicknames and terms may have historical or cultural connotations that are offensive or unwelcome, and NASA is strongly committed to addressing them,” said Stephen T. Shih, Associate Administrator for Diversity and Equal Opportunities. “Science depends on different contributions, and benefits everyone, so this means we have to make it inclusive.”
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