NASA has announced that it will be reexamining the certain "actively harmful" nicknames that are commonly used to describe distant cosmic objects such as planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
Per the Houston Chronicle, the US space agency announced on Wednesday that certain heavenly bodies will no longer be referred to by their unofficial nicknames that NASA deems detrimental to their "commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion."
For example, the "Eskimo Nebula" - discovered in 1787 by William Hershel - will now only be referred to as NGC 2392.
And under the new rules, the commonly referred to "Siamese Twins Galaxy" will also be known only as by their scientific names of NGC 4567 and NGC 4568, respectively.
In a press release, officials from NASA said:
"As the scientific community works to identify and address systemic discrimination and inequality in all aspects of the field, it has become clear that certain cosmic nicknames are not only insensitive, but can be actively harmful.
"NASA is examining its use of unofficial terminology for cosmic objects as part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion."
The removal of the "Eskimo Nebula" and "Siamese Twins Galaxy" nicknames is only an initial step in the space agency's altruistic mission.
Moving forward, the agency has said it will use only the official International Astronomical Union designations in cases where certain nicknames have been deemed inappropriate.
Per the New York Post, NASA's Associate Administrator for Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Stephen T. Shih agreed, saying: "These nicknames and terms may have historical or culture connotations that are objectionable or unwelcoming, and NASA is strongly committed to addressing them."
Let's just hope Uranus remains untouched - otherwise what are second graders going to giggle about in science class?
