ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — As the United States reflects and works to make changes with its history of systematic racism, one federal agency is reexamining some unofficial nicknames it's been using for years.
NASA this week announced it would reassess some names given to cosmic objects that are insensitive and can be harmful. Specifically, a nebula and a pair of spiral galaxies will be referred to with their scientific names rather than nicknames.
The space agency said it will no longer refer to the nebula NGC 2392 as the "Eskimo Nebula." The term "Eskimo" is a colonial term with a racist history related to the indigenous people of the Arctic.
NASA said it will also no longer use "Siamese Twins Galaxy" to describe NGC 4567 and NGC 4568. These are spiral galaxies found in the Virgo Galaxy Cluster.
The agency said moving forward it will only use the International Astronomical Union designations for cosmic objects where nicknames are inappropriate.
"Our goal is that all names are aligned with our values of diversity and inclusion, and we'll proactively work with the scientific community to help ensure that," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "Science is for everyone, and every facet of our work needs to reflect that value."
NASA said nicknames for objects can be "more approachable and public-friendly," like Barnard 33, nicknamed the Horsehead Nebula because of its appearance.
"But often seemingly innocuous nicknames can be harmful and detract from the science," the agency said.
NASA said it's working with diversity and inclusion experts in the astronomical and physical science fields for guidance on other nicknames that need to be reviewed.
"These nicknames and terms may have historical or culture connotations that are objectionable or unwelcoming, and NASA is strongly committed to addressing them," said Stephen Shih, associate administrator for Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
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