NASA says no to racism, removes offensive nicknames of cosmic objects

NGC 4567 and NGC 4568 a pair of connected spiral galaxies in the Virgo Galaxy Cluster were called the “Siamese Twins Galaxy,” for the longest time. But National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has decided to drop the name as a part of its recent move to re-examine offensive nicknames given to cosmic objects.

The agency said that it is re-examining the use of the nicknames as a part of its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. “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,” it said in a statement.

In addition to the spiral galaxies, the space agency has also removed the nickname of planetary nebula NGC 2392. It was called as the Eskimo nebula. NASA said that “Eskimo” is widely viewed as a colonial term with a racist history, imposed on the indigenous people of Arctic regions.

“Science is for everyone, and every facet of our work needs to reflect that value,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at Headquarters, Washington.

NASA also said that it will work with diversity, inclusion, and equity experts in the astronomical and physical sciences to provide guidance and recommendations for other nicknames and terms for review.