StarTalk Radio Things You Thought You Knew - A Constellation Prize
Nov 2, 2021
Discover the playful history behind the naming of planets, from Uranus's royal connections to the whims of mythology. Delve into the moon's enchanting role in art and culture, and uncover the dramatic story of its formation through a cosmic collision. Explore tidal forces that govern Earth and the Moon's relationship, and enjoy a cosmic dance of celestial movements while quizzing your knowledge of constellations. Finally, learn about how Southern Hemisphere constellations were named long before European influence.
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George's Star
- William Herschel discovered Uranus and initially named it "George" after King George III.
- However, it was eventually renamed Uranus to maintain consistency with Roman/Greek god names for planets.
Gods and Moons
- Planet names derive from Roman gods, while moon names generally come from characters in Greek myths.
- These Greek characters specifically relate to the Greek counterpart of the planet's Roman namesake.
Potato Moons
- Mars's moons, Phobos and Deimos, are named after the horses pulling Mars's chariot in Greek mythology.
- These moons are small and irregularly shaped, resembling potatoes more than celestial bodies.