NAME THAT PLANET!

Ten years ago, scientists discovered the largest minor planet in our solar system. It has one of the reddest surfaces ever found in the Kuiper Belt and is estimated to be smaller than Pluto. It’s likely large enough for gravity to make it round, making it a probable dwarf planet. Yet it has remained nameless, apart from the identifier 2007 OR10. The three astronomers who discovered it want your help to change that. Meg Schwamb, Mike Brown and David Rabinowitz announced the campaign to pick a suitable name. In an article published by The Planetary Society on Wednesday, they’re asking the public to choose between three names. All of the options are associated with mythological creatures and figures that reflect the physical properties of 2007 OR10.
1. Gonggong: A Chinese water god with red hair and a serpent-like tail. He is known for creating chaos, causing flooding, and tilting the Earth.
2. Holle (WHOLE-uh): A European winter goddess of fertility, rebirth, and women. She is a patroness of household crafts, especially spinning.
3. Vili: Vili is a Nordic deity. Together with his brothers Odin and Vé, he defeated frost giant Ymir and used Ymir’s body to create the universe.
* I’d avoid Holle. You’re just going to end up with more Uranus jokes.
* Planety McPlanetFace? Or is that not a thing anymore?
* Stupid scientists. Offer to name it after the highest bidder – Coke or Pepsi.
* Can’t they just go with a name everyone can pronounce? Like Kevin? Besides, the planet bears an uncanny resemblance to comedian Kevin James.
* If I discovered a planet, I would damn well name it after myself. They should go with Planet Schwamb, or Planet Rabinowitz.
* Don’t say Dwarf Planet. I believe they like to be called “Little People Planets”.