Astronomers discover sense of humour

Not that they didn’t have one already, but the IAU have decided that rather than naming the trans-neptunian object discovered by Dr Michael Brown, “Xena” and her moon “Gabrielle”, the newly designated dwarf planet will be called Eris after the Greek goddess of discord and her moon will be named Dysnomia, the spirit of lawlessness.. [perhaps the Assembly should consider twinning? – Ed] Dr Brown is reported to have commented that the name was “too perfect to resist.” Official announcement here, noting that “IAU numbers Pluto as an asteroid”. *ahem* More According to this report, Eris’s moon’s name was chosen as a tribute to Lucy Lawless

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