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Nearest Alien Planet Gets New Name

Posted by samzenpus on from the a-planet-by-any-other-name dept.

SchrodingerZ writes "The nearest planet outside our solar system has recently been named Albertus Alauda. Originally named Alpha Centauri Bb, the planet is the closest known planet not orbiting the Sun, being a mere 4.3 light years away. The name comes from Jay Lark, who won the naming contest held by Uwingu starting last month and ending on April 22. Lark remarks that the name comes from the Latin name of his late grandfather, stating, "My grandfather passed away after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer; his name in Latin means noble or bright and to praise or extol." The competition for naming the planet came from Uwing, a company which used the buying of name proposals and votes to fund grants for future space exploration ventures. Albertus Alauda won the competition with 751 votes, followed by Rakhat with 684 votes, and Caleo, with 622 votes."

4 of 185 comments (clear)

  1. Sid Meier by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The only known planet in Alpha Centauri should naturally have been named "Sid Meier". Any other name will be forgotten in no time by most people.

  2. Re:Authority... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Have have it from at least three sources that you are always wrong.

  3. Re:IAU, Please by Nimey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is your butt still hurt about Pluto?

    --
    Hail Eris, full of mischief...

    E pluribus sanguinem
  4. No need to wait by Roger+W+Moore · · Score: 3, Funny

    There is already a Disney World. ;-)