With roots tracing back centuries, both modern astronomy and physics have gathered numerous captivating names for phenomena and concepts. Certainly some of these names appear peculiar.
Whether it's unconventional labels for celestial entities or hard-to-pronounce terminologies in physics, the language used in these fields can be alienating or linked to troublesome historical contexts. Below are just some of the most bizarre terminilogies used in both astronomy and physics:
Gedankenexperiment
Physics demands substantial creative thinking, exemplified by the German word "gedankenexperiments" or thought experiments. Physicists devise hypothetical scenarios to deduce outcomes, a technique notably seen in Einstein's renowned light-speed ride idea, shaping special relativity.
Fetus Nebula (NGC 7008)
The planetary nebula, named NGC 7008, is what remains after a star similar to the Sun in the Solar System has died. Despite its formal designation, its appearance has earned it the nickname "The Fetus Nebula." This celestial formation is situated roughly 2,800 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus.
Jerk
Jerk refers to acceleration change in a timeframe. High jerk causes sudden motions, like abrupt braking or rapid acceleration in a car. Dimensional analysis yields SI units for jerk as m/s³, derived from [length/time³].
Hand-Waving
In the realm of physics, this expression is used fondly as it's something everyone participates in from time to time. Not all forms of reasoning adhere to rigid procedures, hence there are instances when scientists would metaphorically gesture vaguely and move their hands with a hopeful outlook.
St. Catherine's Wheel
The galaxy known as Messier 99, named after Charles Messier's 1774 catalog, is situated in the Virgo Cluster. This galaxy stands out with about three times the usual star formation activity, giving it the visual impression of a stunning wheel of stars.
While formally known by its official designation, it is also commonly called "St. Catherine's Wheel" after St. Catherine who was tortured on a wheel as punishment due to her unwavering commitment to her Christian convictions.
Tomhanks
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) names astronomical objects and set some guidelines to follow. However, asteroids are an exception to this rule.
In 1996, Arizona astronomer Joseph L. Montani named a new asteroid after actor Tom Hanks. The asteroid's official label, following the IAU's single-name requirement, became 12818 Tomhanks.
Neptune
In 1846, Urbain Le Verrier, a French astronomer, predicted a distant planet beyond Uranus. After its discovery, he initially proposed naming it "Neptune," but then suggested "Leverrier." However, only the Paris Observatory supported the latter name, while the rest of the world embraced the name "Neptune" as his original suggestion.
Uranus
The seventh planet in the Solar System was supposed to be named "Georgium Sidus" in honor of King George III, but it was changed into "Uranus" by Johann Bode as it fits well with the mythological theme of planetary names. However, it also began the associations of jokes about the name, particualrly on how it is pronounced being "YOOR'-un-us."
Quarks
Derived from the phrase "Three quarks for Muster Mark!" found in James Joyce's "Finnegans Wake," the term was used by physicist Murray Gell-Mann to characterize the trio of novel particles associated with the strong nuclear force, and despite the later identification of six quarks, the name persisted.
Syzygy
Pronounced as SIZ'-a-jee, these seemingly random six-letter word describes the alignment of three or more celestial objects in a straight line, like during a total solar eclipse when the sun, moon, and Earth align.
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