Meanings of minor-planet names
Okay kiddo, have you ever looked up in the sky and seen a bright spot moving all by itself? That's called a minor planet. They are also called asteroids.
Now, you may wonder how do these minor planets get their names? Well, when a scientist or astronomer find a new minor planet, they get to name it!
They can name it anything they want, but usually, they choose something special or meaningful to them. For example, they might name it after a famous scientist or a mythological character.
Sometimes, they even name them after their family members, pets or places they love.
So, the name of a minor-planet can tell you a story about why it was named that way! It's like giving a special nickname to something you love.
And that's how it works, buddy! Scientists get to name minor planets, and the names help us learn more about them and the scientists who found them.
Now, you may wonder how do these minor planets get their names? Well, when a scientist or astronomer find a new minor planet, they get to name it!
They can name it anything they want, but usually, they choose something special or meaningful to them. For example, they might name it after a famous scientist or a mythological character.
Sometimes, they even name them after their family members, pets or places they love.
So, the name of a minor-planet can tell you a story about why it was named that way! It's like giving a special nickname to something you love.
And that's how it works, buddy! Scientists get to name minor planets, and the names help us learn more about them and the scientists who found them.