NASA asks netizens to name distant object in Kuiper belt

This July 11, 2015, image provided by NASA shows Pluto from the New Horizons spacecraft.  NASA/JHUAPL/SWRI via AP

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is once again seeking the public’s help—this time, in coming up with a fun name for the subject of its upcoming space voyage.

According to a recent NASA press release, the “New Horizons” mission, scheduled on New Year’s Day 2019, is set to fly by a tiny object in the Kuiper belt, dubbed as “(486958) 2014 MU69.”

Since scientists believe that MU69 will receive much recognition after the voyage, NASA is now asking the public for an easier-to-remember nickname.

Several applications have already been filed, with titles like “Mjölnir” (the mythical hammer of Norse god Thor), “Z’ha’dum” (a planet from sci-fi show “Babylon 5”), “Peanut,” “Almond” and “Cashew” coming out as front runners.

Furthermore, applicants should not take the competition lightly, as the winner will have the honor of naming the most distant solar system body ever visited.

Interested participants must log on to the “New Horizons” voting page to cast their votes.

Each entry will be submitted to the  International Astronomical Union. In the even that MU69 turns out to be a binary pair, two names would be selected.

The campaign ends on Dec. 1, while the winner will be announced in early January.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

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