NASA will stop using derogatory names for space objects

Some 5,000 light-years from Earth, there's a picturesque, dying star that's shedding its mighty gaseous layers. Until recently, NASA referred to this deep space object, known as a planetary nebula, as the "Eskimo Nebula." Not anymore. The space agency announced Wednesday that it's scrutinizing and reviewing the nicknames for cosmic objects with derogatory names. The decision comes as both the sciences and greater society confront the ingrained use of names that are overtly racist, harmful, or historically repugnant. NASA's move follows the continued, momentous fallout from protests against police officers who have unjustly or horrifically killed Black people, such as (but not nearly limited to) Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, and George Floyd. Read more...More about Space, Nasa, Racism, Science, and Space