Xena should return on the Sky

To:  The International Astronomical Union

In 2003, the good astronomers at the Palomar Observatory have discovered the body then known as UB313. As the potential for inclusion in the planet class of celestial body was noted, the nickname given by its founders was "Xena" (and subsequently "Gabrielle" for its later discovered satellite).





Astronomers everywhere rejoiced at the news of the discovery of Xena, then the 10th planet from the Sun.





As the definition of planet changed, Xena became the 11th planet and the IAU decided to include it under the name of Eris, goddess of Discord.





However, we, the Undersigned, feel that Xena should be the name to be used for this planet. It may be funny calling it as a TV-series character, yet as it goes, we feel that Xena is as much of a legendary character as any of those that populate our Universe. Since her own story connects to the classical mythology, we see no reason to change the planet's name, even though under the circumstances Eris might be fitting quite well.





Since for most people, the popular names of cosmic bodies are the main identifier, we are sure that many people will call the planet "Xena" anyway. Yet since this name was also used by its finders, we feel it should stay also as official so that we people count the planets of the new denomination, they can correctly say: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and Xena.





Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Xena should return on the Sky Petition to The International Astronomical Union was created by and written by Marius Danciu (elven_rangers@yahoo.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.