This is now just planetary nebula NGC 2392. | Photo: NASA/CXC/IAA-CSIC

NASA is doing away with discriminatory designations. These include certain unofficial nicknames that researchers have in the past chosen to assign to planets, galaxies and other heavenly bodies. For example, the planetary nebula NGC 2392 will no longer be referred to as the ‘Eskimo Nebula’. “‘Eskimo’ is widely viewed as a colonial term with a racist history, imposed on the indigenous people of Arctic regions. Most official documents have moved away from its use”, NASA explains on its website. And the two spiral galaxies NGC 4567 and NGC 4568 will no longer be called the ‘Siamese Twins’. “Our goal is that all names are aligned with our values of diversity and inclusion, and we’ll proactively work with the scientific community to help ensure that. Science is for everyone, and every facet of our work needs to reflect that value”.