Friday, September 15, 2006

Discord, Dat Cord...

The "solar system object" (actually, I like that term better than "planet") formerly known as UB313 (or Xena), now has an official name, appropriately chosen:
A new name has been bestowed on the "dwarf planet" whose discovery in 2005 rocked the solar system, sparked debate over "What is a planet?" and ultimately led to Pluto's removal from the planetary family. The dwarf planet, formerly known as 2003 UB313, is now called Eris, after the Greek goddess of discord and strife.
And since "Eris" turns up in crossword puzzles fairly often, I get the feeling that Will Shortz is on the planetary commission. If the next solar system object is named "Etui" or "Epee," I'll know that for certain...

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