naming
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What’s in a Name? Why Are So Many Species Named After History’s Monsters?
“What’s in a name?”, asked Juliet of Romeo. “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, as with the Montagues and Capulets, names mean a lot, and can cause a great deal of heartache. My colleagues and I are taxonomists, which means we name living things. While we’ve…
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If You Named A Planet Recently You Probably Didn’t, You Know, Officially Name The Planet
The International Astronomical Union is sitting down with the internet to have a little talk. Just because some kids on the playground say they’ll let you name an exoplanet for $US5 doesn’t mean you should give them $US5. First of all they’re not the boss of you, and second of all they have nothing to…