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Published Nov. 3, 2023, 6:59 p.m. ET
Astronomers Call for Renaming of Milky Way’s Neighboring Galaxies
A coalition of astronomers is pushing for the renaming of the Milky Way’s closest neighboring galaxies, arguing that the current names honor a “murderer” with no connection to their discovery. The Large Magellanic Cloud and Small Magellanic Cloud are currently named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who led the first successful circumnavigation of the globe in the 16th century. However, Dr. Mia de los Reyes, an assistant professor of astronomy at Amherst College, argues that Magellan was a violent colonialist and not an astronomer. She believes that the International Astronomical Union should change the names of the galaxies.
In her recently published op-ed in the journal APS Physics, Dr. de los Reyes lays out her case for the proposed moniker switch. She argues that Indigenous peoples in the Southern Hemisphere have had names and legends for the galaxies that predate Magellan by thousands of years. The galaxies were previously known as the “Clouds of the Cape” and by the more scientific names of “Nubecula Minor” and “Nubecula Major.”
The primary issue with naming the Magellanic Clouds after Ferdinand Magellan, according to David Hogg, a professor of physics and data science at NYU, is that the clouds were not his discovery. Despite the lack of a direct connection, Magellan’s name is attached to thousands of academic articles, as well as craters on the moon and Mars, spacecraft, and telescopes. Magellan is often celebrated as an explorer, but he also committed horrific acts against native populations during his expeditions.
Dr. de los Reyes’ renaming campaign has gained support from approximately 50 astronomers, with another 50 expressing interest. The goal is to present the name change proposal to the International Astronomical Union and hold a vote on it. Some alternative names for the galaxies that have been suggested include “Meridional” and “Milky.”
This renaming proposal is part of a larger trend of reevaluating names associated with objectionable historical figures. Recently, efforts have been made to change geographic locations, buildings, military installations, and even holidays honoring individuals with problematic legacies. In a similar vein, the American Ornithological Society plans to rename bird species named after people due to their ties to racism and misogyny.
While there has been some criticism of the renaming campaign, Dr. de los Reyes notes that the majority of astronomers she has spoken to are supportive. The scientist has received some negative messages, but she remains committed to the cause. Ultimately, it will be up to the International Astronomical Union to decide whether the Magellanic Clouds should be renamed.