A "Name the Moon" campaign is underway, dedicated to respectfully petition the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to give Earth's moon a unique name. To do so, the campaign has launched an animated series (the appropriately named "Looney Moonies") that teaches viewers about our solar system whilt at the same time entertaining, educating and engaging the public.
The group's e-petition drive and naming contest is set to end on the summer solstice of 2016, which would be June 20 for Northern Hemisphere residents. The "Name the Moon" e-petition will then be sent to the IAU. [Read: The Full Moon Names of 2016]
For those that sign on the dotted line, the petition reads:
"We, the undersigned people of planet Earth believe that our satellite, the Moon, should be given its own unique name. At this point in history the moon is the only major celestial object whose name is also its category. We believe it is time for that to change and the Moon be given a new name."
The hope is to find broad public consensus. "But we need lots of support! If you agree, please sign the e-petition. It's up to you," their campaign site explains.
For more information, go to: https://namethemoon.world/#/Facts-0
Leonard David is author of "Mars - Our Future on the Red Planet" to be published by the National Geographic this October. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel six-part series coming in November. A long time writer for Space.com, Leonard David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Article posted on Space.com.
