Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Most Poorly Named Night Sky Object?

Started by kfiscus , Apr 28 2013 11:07 PM

Next
»

This topic has been archived. This means that you cannot reply to this topic.

94 replies to this topic

#1 kfiscus

Cosmos

topic starter

Posts: 8,241
Joined: 09 Jul 2012

Posted 28 April 2013 - 11:07 PM

The clouds come in again and the mind wanders...

What are some objects that just don't match or live up to their names. I don't criticize the Great Red Spot too harshly since it's a living, breathing storm. I refer to it now as the "Okay Beige Spot".

I'd nominate the Crab Nebula, for one. :question:

Back to top

#2 Joe Bergeron

Vanguard

Posts: 2,441
Joined: 10 Nov 2003

Posted 29 April 2013 - 12:51 AM

How about the Veal Nebula? It doesn't really look like the flesh of an anemic, penned-up calf.

Back to top

#3 David Knisely

James Webb Space Telescope

Posts: 18,680
Joined: 19 Apr 2004

Posted 29 April 2013 - 01:17 AM

How about the Veal Nebula? It doesn't really look like the flesh of an anemic, penned-up calf.

Uh, I've never heard of the "Veal" nebula (if you aren't just kidding around). If you are more serious, I think you might be referring to the "Veil" Nebula (as in formerly "the Bridal Veil Nebula" as it was originally called). The large main arc section (NGC 6992) is the one that resembles the bridal veil and train the most. The other bright section (NGC 6960) is sometimes called, "the Witch's Broom", as it kind of resembles one. Clear skies to you.

Back to top

#4 David Knisely

James Webb Space Telescope

Posts: 18,680
Joined: 19 Apr 2004

Posted 29 April 2013 - 01:18 AM

The clouds come in again and the mind wanders...

What are some objects that just don't match or live up to their names. I don't criticize the Great Red Spot too harshly since it's a living, breathing storm. I refer to it now as the "Okay Beige Spot".

I'd nominate the Crab Nebula, for one.

I would nominate "the Ghost of Jupiter" (NGC 3242), as it looks more like an eye than a planet. In fact, I once called this one, "The CBS Eye" after observing it at over 700x one night in a 10 inch Newtonian. Clear skies to you.

Back to top

#5 RogueGazer

Vostok 1

Posts: 121
Joined: 10 Jun 2012

Posted 29 April 2013 - 02:45 AM

Uranus is the only one that comes to mind. No matter how you say it everyone is still thinking it.

Back to top

#6 beanerds

Apollo

Posts: 1,244
Joined: 15 Jul 2008

Posted 29 April 2013 - 03:57 AM

Crux , what a boring name , its only saving grace is the 'jewel box' and ,oh I supose 'A-Crux' , but who would name a constilation 'Crux'?
Brian.

Back to top

#7 Michael2

Mariner 2

Posts: 248
Joined: 01 Jun 2011

Posted 29 April 2013 - 04:04 AM

but who would name a constilation 'Crux'?
Brian.

Possibly Augustin Royer!! :question:

Michael.

Back to top

#8 Qwickdraw

Surveyor 1

Posts: 1,947
Joined: 03 Mar 2012

Posted 29 April 2013 - 05:05 AM

Although we amateurs will never see it (at least in our lifetime)

"Nearest Alien Planet Gets New Name: 'Albertus Alauda'"

Back to top

#9 FirstSight

Duke of Deneb

Posts: 17,409
Joined: 26 Dec 2005

Posted 29 April 2013 - 11:04 AM

Although this name is generic to a class of objects, and not to a specific one, I'd nominate the term:
"bright galaxy"

That said, I do love my faint fuzzies.

Back to top

#10 blb

Aurora

Posts: 4,929
Joined: 25 Nov 2005

Posted 29 April 2013 - 11:10 AM

How about the Veal Nebula? It doesn't really look like the flesh of an anemic, penned-up calf.

Just where is this Veal Nebula located? Is it in Taurus the bull or is this just a bunch of bull?

Back to top

#11 Kraus

Apollo

Posts: 1,145
Joined: 10 Mar 2012

Posted 29 April 2013 - 11:19 AM

I think the eskimo nebula needs renamed to 'when I was in Northern Japan freezing to death whilst walking in waist-high snow wearing my military issued heavy-weather outerwear' nebula.

Back to top

#12 Javier1978

Apollo

Posts: 1,472
Joined: 12 Feb 2009

Posted 29 April 2013 - 11:23 AM

Crux , what a boring name , its only saving grace is the 'jewel box' and ,oh I supose 'A-Crux' , but who would name a constilation 'Crux'?
Brian.

It´s a beautiful sounding latin word, and there is beauty in its simplicity. It´s an obvious cross in the sky, how would you call it? In spanish we call it "Cruz del Sur" (Southern Cross) and it´s a simple and beautiful name for a simple and beatiful constelation.

Now, B33 has always looked like a cobra to me, not a horse head, I think the real horse head is in Scorpio.

Back to top

#13 BSJ

Surveyor 1

Posts: 1,548
Joined: 22 Dec 2008

Posted 29 April 2013 - 01:02 PM

The Flame Nebula looks like a Squirrel to me…

Attached Thumbnails

Back to top

#14 csrlice12

ISS

Posts: 34,128
Joined: 22 May 2012

Posted 29 April 2013 - 01:30 PM

The Moon....I donno, just doesn't seem magnificent enough.

Back to top

#15 JimMo

I'd Rather Do It Myself

Posts: 9,701
Joined: 08 Jan 2007

Posted 29 April 2013 - 02:06 PM

It´s a beautiful sounding latin word, and there is beauty in its simplicity. It´s an obvious cross in the sky, how would you call it? In spanish we call it "Cruz del Sur" (Southern Cross) and it´s a simple and beautiful name for a simple and beatiful constelation.

Now, B33 has always looked like a cobra to me, not a horse head, I think the real horse head is in Scorpio.

I agree, Crux, or the Southern Cross for us yankees is a great name.

With B33 I see a knight from a chess set so Horsehead works for me.

Back to top

#16 JimMo

I'd Rather Do It Myself

Posts: 9,701
Joined: 08 Jan 2007

Posted 29 April 2013 - 02:07 PM

The Moon....I donno, just doesn't seem magnificent enough.

Yes, but Luna is a great name for it.

Back to top

#17 Cotts

Just Wondering

Posts: 12,444
Joined: 10 Oct 2005

Posted 29 April 2013 - 02:45 PM

The North America Nebula is more like the "Mexico and the Adjacent American South West" Nebula to me...

Dave

Back to top

#18 okieav8r

I'd rather be flying!

Posts: 9,280
Joined: 01 Mar 2009

Posted 29 April 2013 - 03:40 PM

How about the 'Dark Doodad'? Not that it's so much a bad name, but it just sounds like someone didn't want to come up with anything more creative. :lol:

Back to top

#19 mogur

Skylab

Posts: 4,303
Joined: 29 Jul 2011

Posted 29 April 2013 - 09:12 PM

I've heard NGC 457 referred to as the "E.T." cluster. I never could see that. It looks more like a lobster to me.

Back to top

#20 davidpitre

Fly Me to the Moon

Posts: 5,130
Joined: 10 May 2005

Posted 29 April 2013 - 09:17 PM

Stephen O'Meara has given so many objects bizarre obscure names that mean nothing to anyone other than himself that I lost count years ago. Take your pick. As often as not, I read an object that he has named, and I just scratch my head.

Back to top

#21 Jon Isaacs

ISS

Posts: 113,403
Joined: 16 Jun 2004

Posted 29 April 2013 - 09:31 PM

I've heard NGC 457 referred to as the "E.T." cluster. I never could see that. It looks more like a lobster to me.

I see the E.T. clearly, the two bright eyes, the arms outstretched to the sides, the legs straight and slightly spread.

With all the creative names out there for rather diminutive, nondescript object, it seems to me the Orion Nebula deserve something better...

Jon

Back to top

#22 jrbarnett

Eyepiece Hooligan

Posts: 30,379
Joined: 28 Feb 2006

Posted 29 April 2013 - 09:34 PM

Why stop a objects. There are entire constellations with nearly incomprehensible names. Coma Berenices anyone? How's about Camelopardalis?

Misnamed objects the "Horsehead Nebula". Does that...

http://www.nasa.gov/...opped_946-71...

...even remotely look like a horse head? Of course not. It is *clearly* the Twi'leh Nebula. Jeesh.

- Jim