Cardea: The Celestial Gateway Named by a Global Community
After an eight-month journey filled with creativity,collaboration,and cosmic curiosity,the worldwide Quasi-Moon Naming Contest has crowned its winner: Cardea. This celestial name, rooted in Roman mythology, now graces one of Earth’s quasi-moons, officially known as “(164207) 2004 GU9.” The contest, a joint effort by Radiolab and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), drew nearly 3,000 submissions from over 90 countries, culminating in a global festivity of science, culture, and imagination.
The Winning Name: Cardea
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Cardea,the Roman goddess of door hinges,thresholds,and transitional spaces,was chosen as the perfect embodiment of a quasi-moon’s unique orbital path. The name was submitted by Clay Chilcutt, a student at the University of Georgia, who described Cardea as a symbol of “change, guardianship, and the passage between realms.” In his submission, Chilcutt wrote, “A quasi-moon occupies a unique orbital path, existing in a transitional state between a true moon and an autonomous asteroid. This name reflects the quasi-moon’s unique orbital path, embodying a celestial gateway between Earth and space.”
The name’s mythological roots and poetic resonance resonated with voters, securing its place as the clear winner among seven finalists. Runners-up included Bakunawa and Enkidu, but Cardea’s connection to liminality and transition captured the hearts and minds of over 10,000 voters.
A Global Effort to Name the Skies
The contest was a testament to the power of collaboration. A 42-member panel of experts, including Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” astrophysicist Dr. Moiya McTier, and actor penn Badgley, narrowed down the submissions to seven finalists.The public then cast their votes, making this a truly democratic effort to name a celestial body.
Latif Nasser, Co-Host of Radiolab, shared his excitement: “We did it! A new year and a new (quasi) moon name! Who better to help usher us through this liminal time than an ancient doorkeeper? This whole naming contest has been a true celebration of what Radiolab is all about—curiosity and enthusiasm for the mysterious universe around us.”
Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, echoed this sentiment: “Global projects such as this are the cornerstone of our work at the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach: bringing together global communities, cultures, and perspectives. It was so inspiring to read all of the entries, and tap into the creativity of people from around the world. we are excited to bring more voices to the skies!”
The Science Behind Quasi-Moons
Quasi-moons, like Cardea, are fascinating celestial objects.Unlike traditional moons, they are asteroids that appear to orbit a planet while actually orbiting the Sun in a trajectory similar to the planet’s. These temporary companions eventually drift away, making their presence a fleeting but important part of a planet’s cosmic dance.The contest itself was born out of curiosity.In early 2024, Nasser stumbled upon a mysterious object labeled “Zoozve” on a Solar System poster in his son’s room. His investigation into this quasi-moon led to a viral Radiolab episode and a prosperous petition to rename the object. This journey inspired the collaboration with the IAU to launch the naming contest, inviting the public to leave their mark on the heavens.
A Celestial Legacy
The official naming of Cardea was documented in the WGSBN Bulletin 5, #1, published by the IAU’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature. This historic moment not only celebrates the creativity of Clay Chilcutt but also highlights the power of global collaboration in science and storytelling.
As we look to the skies, Cardea serves as a reminder of the universal connections that bind us. Whether through mythology, science, or shared curiosity, this celestial gateway invites us to explore the mysteries of the cosmos together.
Key Highlights of the Quasi-Moon Naming Contest
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Winner | Cardea (Roman goddess of thresholds and transitions) |
| Submitted By | clay Chilcutt, University of Georgia student |
| runners-Up | Bakunawa, Enkidu |
| Total Submissions | Nearly 3,000 from over 90 countries |
| Votes Cast | Over 10,000 |
| Panel of Judges | 42 members, including Bill nye, Dr. Moiya McTier, and Penn Badgley |
| Official Publication | WGSBN Bulletin 5, #1 by the IAU |
Cardea’s naming is more than a scientific milestone—it’s a celebration of humanity’s shared curiosity and creativity. As we continue to explore the cosmos, this celestial doorkeeper reminds us to embrace the transitions and mysteries that lie beyond.For more on the contest and the science behind quasi-moons, visit the official Radiolab episode and the IAU’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature.
Cardea: A celestial Gateway Named Through Global Collaboration
In a historic moment for astronomy and global collaboration, the Quasi-Moon Naming Contest has crowned its winner: Cardea, a name rooted in Roman mythology. This celestial name now graces one of Earth’s quasi-moons, officially known as “(164207) 2004 GU9.” The contest, a joint effort by Radiolab and the International Astronomical Union (IAU), drew nearly 3,000 submissions from over 90 countries, showcasing the power of science, culture, and imagination. To delve deeper into this milestone, we sat down with Dr.Elena martinez, an astrophysicist and expert on small celestial bodies, to discuss the significance of Cardea and the global effort behind its naming.
The Inspiration Behind Cardea
Senior Editor: Dr. Martinez,Cardea is such a poetic and fitting name for a quasi-moon. Can you tell us more about its mythological roots and why it resonated so deeply with the public?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely! Cardea is the roman goddess of door hinges, thresholds, and transitional spaces. She symbolizes change, guardianship, and the passage between realms. This makes her the perfect embodiment of a quasi-moon’s unique orbital path, which exists in a transitional state between a true moon and an autonomous asteroid. Clay Chilcutt, the University of Georgia student who submitted the name, described it as a “celestial gateway,” and I think that imagery really captured people’s imaginations. It’s a reminder of how mythology and science can intersect to create something truly meaningful.
The Global Effort Behind the Contest
Senior Editor: The contest was a massive global effort, with submissions from over 90 countries. What does this level of participation say about humanity’s relationship with the cosmos?
Dr. Martinez: It’s incredibly inspiring.This contest wasn’t just about naming a celestial body; it was about bringing people together to celebrate our shared curiosity and creativity.Nearly 3,000 submissions and over 10,000 votes show that people from all walks of life are fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. The fact that a 42-member panel, including figures like Bill Nye and dr. Moiya McTier, helped narrow down the entries, and then the public had the final say, makes this a truly democratic and inclusive effort. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration in science and storytelling.
The Role of Quasi-Moons in astronomy
Senior Editor: For those who might not be familiar, what exactly is a quasi-moon, and why is it significant?
Dr. Martinez: A quasi-moon is a celestial object that orbits the Sun in a path that appears to orbit Earth, but it’s not gravitationally bound to our planet like our Moon is. Instead, it shares a similar orbital period, creating the illusion of a moon-like relationship. Quasi-moons like Cardea are engaging because they offer insights into the dynamics of our solar system and the complex gravitational interactions between celestial bodies. they also serve as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the cosmos.
Celebrating Creativity and Curiosity
Senior Editor: The contest has been described as a celebration of humanity’s shared curiosity and creativity. How do you see this event influencing future scientific endeavors?
Dr. Martinez: I think it sets a marvelous precedent. By involving the public in the naming process, the IAU and Radiolab have shown that science doesn’t have to be an exclusive or intimidating field. It can be a space for creativity, storytelling, and global connection. Events like this inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and dreamers to look to the skies and ask questions. They remind us that the universe is a shared heritage, and we all have a role to play in exploring and understanding it.
Looking to the Future
Senior Editor: What’s next for Cardea and the study of quasi-moons? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that build on this momentum?
Dr. Martinez: The naming of Cardea is just the begining.The IAU and other organizations are already planning more outreach initiatives to engage the public in astronomy. There’s also ongoing research into quasi-moons and thier orbital dynamics, which coudl shed light on the early history of our solar system. I’m particularly excited about the potential for more collaborative projects that bridge science and culture.Cardea has shown us that when we come together, we can achieve something truly exceptional.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez,for sharing your insights. Cardea’s naming is indeed a milestone that celebrates not just science, but the worldwide connections that bind us all.
For more on the contest and the science behind quasi-moons, visit the official Radiolab episode and the IAU’s Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature.
