Back in 2007, scientists discovered a new minor planet in our solar system, out beyond Neptune. And they named it ... 2007 OR10.
Now, 10 years later, we can finally correct that mistake. On Wednesday, the red minor planet's discoverers announced a campaign that will let the public decide 2007 OR10's new name.
Until May 10, you can cast your vote for one of three options: "Gonggong," "Holle," or "Vili." All three choices fit the existing theme for naming planets and celestial bodies because they're names of mythological figures from Chinese, European, and Nordic mythology, respectively.
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2007 OR10 is a little smaller than Pluto, famously downgraded to a dwarf planet, which is why it's referred to as a "minor planet," Live Science explains. Along with Pluto, it's among the 10 largest objects in the Kuiper Belt region of the solar system. 2007 OR10 is likely made up of ice and rock, and its surface is a deep red color, two details that helped inspire the naming possibilities.
You can learn more about 2007 OR10, its potential new names, and the people who discovered it — as well as cast your very important vote — here.
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