Obituary - She named Pluto

[GeoffW1]

I acknowledge the passing of Venetia Phair (nee Burney) who as an 11 year old suggested the name Pluto for the newly discovered body.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/world/europe/11phair.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

[jjjnettie]

I wonder how she felt when they demoted Pluto?
RIP

[Quark]

Thanks for posting this Geoff,

The discovery of any new Solar System object is significant as is the story behind the discovery and in this case the naming of the object.
An intriguing story and well should we all spare a thought for the young lass that got to name Pluto.

Regards
Trevor

[astroron]

In 2015 when New Horizons reaches Pluto her memory will be revived:)
Pluto will have another deserved spot in the headlines:)
RIP Venetia.

[Jen]

:( Awwwww wow what a privilage to have, to be able to name a planet specially at the age of 11 :thumbsup:
May she rest in peace

[Ric]

A very interesting article Geoff, thanks for the link.

RIP Venetia

[dpastern]

I still consider Pluto a planet. The meeting in question was done with the majority of the members absent and there is no doubt within many people's minds that it would not have been passed if there had been a full sitting.

Pluto meets the technical requirements to be a planet, the problem is that it would have meant that they would have had to name a bunch of other "minor planets" planets and that upset people it seems. "Too many planets".

I will continue to teach children that Pluto is a planet, but I will explain to them the controversy.

Dave

[spacezebra]

Yes, interesting article Geoff, thank you for posting.

Cheers Petra d.