Name that Space Telescope!

Would you like to name the next great space telescope? Here's your chance:

Posted by C1ay
11 February, 2008 08:02:05

NASA is inviting members of the general public from around the world to suggest a new name for the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, otherwise known as GLAST, before it launches in mid-2008. GLAST is designed to probe the most violent events and exotic objects in the cosmos from gamma-ray bursts to black holes and beyond.

"We're looking for suggestions that will capture the excitement of GLAST's mission and call attention to gamma-ray and high-energy astronomy," says Alan Stern, associate administrator for Science at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC. "We hope someone will come up with a name that is catchy, easy to say and will help make the satellite and its mission a topic of dinner table and classroom discussion."

The telescope's key scientific objectives include:

Exploring the most extreme environments in the Universe, where nature harnesses energies far beyond anything possible on Earth
Searching for signs of new laws of physics and what composes the mysterious dark matter
Understanding how black holes accelerate immense jets of material to nearly light speed
Cracking the mysteries of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts
Answering long-standing questions about solar flares, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays

Suggestions for the mission's new name may be an acronym, but that is not a requirement. Any suggestions for naming the telescope after a scientist may only include names of deceased scientists whose names are not already used for other NASA missions. All suggestions will be considered. The period for accepting names closes on March 31, 2008. Participants must include a statement of 25 words or less about why their suggestion would be a strong name for the mission. Multiple suggestions are encouraged.

To submit a suggestion for the mission name, visit: GLAST Name Form

Anyone who drops a name into the "Name That Satellite!" suggestion box on the Web page can choose to receive a "Certificate of Participation" via return e-mail. Participants also may choose to receive the NASA press release announcing the new mission name. The announcement is expected approximately 60 days after launch of the telescope.

Source: NASA

Comments (8 posted):

Giles Corey on 11 February, 2008 08:29:51

I sent in two myself. For various reasons, I: Spartan Explorer (They have already had a spartan satellite though so i doubt its acceptacne) II: Sagan Explorer (After our beloved Carl Sagan no doubt)

freeztar on 11 February, 2008 09:42:39

Large Area Space Telescope Investigating New Gamma-rays

kmarinas86 on 11 February, 2008 10:06:45

HUGEST or HUGE Space Telescope High: location of telescope Ultra: degree of radiation Gamma: energy type Energy: what it contains Space: where it is seen Telescope: what it is

kmarinas86 on 11 February, 2008 10:28:07

Heavy: How it weights Unit: Signifies individual mission Gaining: What it is doing Gamma: What it is getting Light: What this is Energy: What this is fundamentally The HUGGLE Space Telescope Successor of the Hubble Space Telescope

DougF on 12 February, 2008 05:32:45

kmarinas86 Heavy: How it weights Unit: Signifies individual mission Gaining: What it is doing Gamma: What it is getting Light: What this is Energy: What this is fundamentally The HUGGLE Space Telescope Successor of the Hubble Space Telescope I like it and the Kids should remember it. :hihi:

coldcreation on 12 February, 2008 10:11:07

A transverse wave of electric and magnetic fields is known as an Electromagnetic Wave that travels through space. The discovery that a ray of light was actually an electromagnetic wave was made by J.C. Maxwell. Eventually, other types of electromagnetic waves were discovered, including gamma rays. [CENTER]J.C. Maxwell Space Telescope Maxwell Space Telescope [/CENTER] CC

Tormod on 12 February, 2008 01:05:42

J.C. Maxwell Space Telescope Good one! But it already exists: http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/articles/aboutjcmt/

coldcreation on 12 February, 2008 01:51:47

Good one! But it already exists: http://outreach.jach.hawaii.edu/articles/aboutjcmt/ I thought is sounded too familiar. That's what I get for not doing my research first. Oh well. When at first you don't succeed...