Mordor Macula. Kirk Crater. Tardis Chasma. These are some examples of what the team at New Horizons have named the mountain ranges, plains and craters, discovered by the images of Pluto and it’s largest moon, Charon, from the New Horizons Flyby.
At the moment, these names are provisional but the scientists believe they stand a pretty good chance of sticking. The maps of Pluto and Charon will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union for approval but if Saturns moon, Titan, can have a couple of features officially be called Bilbo and Frodo, surely Leia Organa Crater and Gallifrey Macula have a pretty decent chance!
Lord Of The Rings, Alien, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Firefly all get a shout out partly in thanks to us, the public. NASA asked for public submissions and the public was happy to oblige.
William Shatner talked to Mashable and this is what he had to say:
I am proud that they have named a series of physical features on Charon after Star Trek and other shows including Kirk’s Crater, It is an honor to have a character you helped create be given such an esteemed recognition.
I can’t wait to discover my own planet and give it names like, Benedict Cumberbatch Crater, Colin Firth Chasma…you get my drift…
[via Mashable]
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