Theia is the name of a hypothetical planet. In the early solar system, it is believed that the Earth was struck by a proto-planet about the size of Mars. The theory is that the collision of the two young planets caused the formation of the Earth's Moon.
THEIA is the acryonym for a telescope proposed by NASA called the Telescope for Habitable Exoplanets and Interstellar/Intergalactic Astronomy.
In Greek mythology, Theia was a Titan who was the mother of the moon goddess Selene. The name means "Goddess or Divine". In 2015, Theia was given to 75 girls.
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Showing posts with label Astronomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Astronomy. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system. It is the second largest planet (excluding dwarf planets) in the solar system, after Mercury. It has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos. An abundance of iron oxide gives Mars its red color. Mars is home to the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.
A list and description of the planet Mars in fiction can be found here.
The name Mars comes from the Roman god of War. In 2014 34 boys were named Mars in the U.S.
A list and description of the planet Mars in fiction can be found here.
The name Mars comes from the Roman god of War. In 2014 34 boys were named Mars in the U.S.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Adria
In Stargate SG-1, Adria was the half-human, half-Ori child or 'Orici' that Vala Mal Doran was forced to carry. She was genetically altered so that she grew to an adult in a few days. She was also implanted with the collective memory of the Ori race. Adria was created to lead the Ori armies to the Milky Way Galaxy and convert the humans that lived there. Adria was captured by the Goa'uld Baal, who implanted her with one of his cloned symbiotes.The Tok'ra managed to remove the symbiote, but not before it released a toxin. Adria was forced to ascend or die. After she ascended, she assumed the power of all the Ori, who had been killed by the Saangral. After SG-1 activated the Ark of Truth, her power diminished enough that Morgan Le Fay was able to stop her.
There is a main belt asteroid named 143 Adria. It was discovered in 1875 and was named after the Adriatic Sea, since the discovery was made on the coast.
Adria is a feminine form of Adrian, meaning 'from Hadria.' In 2014, 59 girls were named Adria in the U.S.
There is a main belt asteroid named 143 Adria. It was discovered in 1875 and was named after the Adriatic Sea, since the discovery was made on the coast.
Adria is a feminine form of Adrian, meaning 'from Hadria.' In 2014, 59 girls were named Adria in the U.S.
Monday, August 31, 2015
August 2015 Round Up
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Galileo
Galileo Galilei was a scientist that lived during the Renaissance. His astronomical observations fundamentally changed the way we view the universe. Among his contributions was the discovery of the four largest moons of Jupiter, now called the Galilean moons. His support of the heliocentric model of the solar system caused much controversy, and he was tried by the Roman Inquisition. He was sentenced to house arrest on June 22, 1633, a sentence which remained in effect until his death in 1642.
An unmanned spacecraft was named Galileo in his honor. It arrived at Jupiter in 1995 and remained in orbit until 2003. The spacecraft was deteriorating, and it was decided to intentionally crash it into Jupiter itself to prevent contamination of any of Jupiter's moons, some of which may harbor life.
Rocket Shop Galileo was a science fiction novel by Robert A Heinlein.
In Star Trek, several shuttles were named Galileo. Galileo Galilei was mentioned in several episodes, and in one episode title.
The name Galileo is of Latin origin and means 'from Galilee.' In 2014, 20 boys in the U.S. were named Galileo.
An unmanned spacecraft was named Galileo in his honor. It arrived at Jupiter in 1995 and remained in orbit until 2003. The spacecraft was deteriorating, and it was decided to intentionally crash it into Jupiter itself to prevent contamination of any of Jupiter's moons, some of which may harbor life.
Rocket Shop Galileo was a science fiction novel by Robert A Heinlein.
In Star Trek, several shuttles were named Galileo. Galileo Galilei was mentioned in several episodes, and in one episode title.
The name Galileo is of Latin origin and means 'from Galilee.' In 2014, 20 boys in the U.S. were named Galileo.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Dione
Dione is one of Saturn's moons. It was discovered by Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1684, and was called Saturn IV until 1847. It is approximately two-thirds ice and water. There is a thin layer of molecular oxygen ions in an exosphere. It has been photographed by the space probes Voyager and Cassini.
106 Dione is a main belt asteroid. It was discovered in 1868 by J.C. Watson.
The name Dione comes from Greek Mythology. Dione was a Titaness and the mother of Aphrodite. It means 'Of Zeus', which refers to the word Goddess. It has never been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. In 2014, 5 girls were named Dione.
106 Dione is a main belt asteroid. It was discovered in 1868 by J.C. Watson.
The name Dione comes from Greek Mythology. Dione was a Titaness and the mother of Aphrodite. It means 'Of Zeus', which refers to the word Goddess. It has never been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. In 2014, 5 girls were named Dione.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Alma
In the third Hunger Games book, Mockingjay, Alma Coin was the president of District 13. Alma's husband and daughter were killed in a pox epidemic. Coin led the rebellion against the Capitol and used Katniss Everdeen for propaganda to aid the rebellion.
ALMA is an acronym for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, an array of radio telescopes in Chile.
Alma is derived from the Latin word 'almus', which means 'nourishing.' Alma is also the Spanish word for 'soul.' In 2014, Alma was the 680th most popular name for girls in the U.S.
ALMA is an acronym for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, an array of radio telescopes in Chile.
Alma is derived from the Latin word 'almus', which means 'nourishing.' Alma is also the Spanish word for 'soul.' In 2014, Alma was the 680th most popular name for girls in the U.S.
Friday, July 31, 2015
July 2015 Round Up
It's time for my monthly round-up of geeky names from other name sites!
Nancy's Baby Names talked about Teela and She-Ra usage in the 1980s.
Bewitching Names profiled Echo. Echo's geeky references include a character in Marvel's Daredevil,
Several characters in the D.C. Comics universe, a comic book series, a fantasy novel by Francesca Lia Block, and an asteroid.
Appellation Mountain posted about Joss, from Firefly creator, Joss Whedon, and names from the Wonder Woman comics, and about Vega, which is the name of a star.
S My Name is Sophie had some constellation names.
The Art of Naming had a post on Luna.
Nancy's Baby Names talked about Teela and She-Ra usage in the 1980s.
Bewitching Names profiled Echo. Echo's geeky references include a character in Marvel's Daredevil,
Several characters in the D.C. Comics universe, a comic book series, a fantasy novel by Francesca Lia Block, and an asteroid.
Appellation Mountain posted about Joss, from Firefly creator, Joss Whedon, and names from the Wonder Woman comics, and about Vega, which is the name of a star.
S My Name is Sophie had some constellation names.
The Art of Naming had a post on Luna.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Orthosie
Orthosie is a moon of Jupiter. It was only discovered in 2001, and is a very small moon, only 2 km in diameter. It is part of the Ananke Group of moons that orbit Jupiter.
Orthosie is from Greek Mythology. Orthosie was one of the Horae, which were the Greek goddesses of the seasons, and nature. Orthosie was the goddess of prosperity. Orthosie does not appear in the Social Security Administration's name database.
I like this name, but I think most people would have difficulty pronouncing it. You can find the pronunciation here.
Orthosie is from Greek Mythology. Orthosie was one of the Horae, which were the Greek goddesses of the seasons, and nature. Orthosie was the goddess of prosperity. Orthosie does not appear in the Social Security Administration's name database.
I like this name, but I think most people would have difficulty pronouncing it. You can find the pronunciation here.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Mace
In Star Wars, Mace Windu was a Jedi Master who served on the Jedi Council. When Anakin Skywalker interrupted a fight between Windu and Darth Sidious, he stopped Windu from killing Sidious, only to have Sidious throw Windu from a window to his death.
In Game of Thrones, Mace Tyrell was the head of House Tyrell which was an ally of the Lannisters. He was the father of Margery Tyrell, who was Queen of Westeros.
The Mid-Atlantic Convection Expo or MACE, is a gaming convention held yearly in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Major Atmospheric Cerenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE) is a telescope that is currently being built in India. When completed it will be the 2nd largest gamma ray telescope in the world.
Mace is an English word name referring to a heavy club used in Medieval combat. In 2014, 61 boys were named Mace in the U.S.
In Game of Thrones, Mace Tyrell was the head of House Tyrell which was an ally of the Lannisters. He was the father of Margery Tyrell, who was Queen of Westeros.
The Mid-Atlantic Convection Expo or MACE, is a gaming convention held yearly in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Major Atmospheric Cerenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE) is a telescope that is currently being built in India. When completed it will be the 2nd largest gamma ray telescope in the world.
Mace is an English word name referring to a heavy club used in Medieval combat. In 2014, 61 boys were named Mace in the U.S.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Draco
Draco is a circumpolar constellation in the northern sky. It was one of the 48 constellations defined by the astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Draco is also the name of a dwarf galaxy. It is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.
In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy was a student at Hogwarts and a member of Slytherin house. His father, Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater. Draco and Harry Potter were rivals throughout school.
In the Star Wars: Legacy comic books, Antares Draco was the leader of the Imperial Knights in the Second Imperial Civil War.
In Xena: Warrior Princess, Draco was a former lover of Xena. It was through him that Xena met Gabrielle.
Draco was the name of the dragon in the movie Dragonheart.
Draco is a genus of gliding lizards.
Draco is the latin word for dragon. In 2014, 42 boys were named Draco in the U.S.
In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy was a student at Hogwarts and a member of Slytherin house. His father, Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater. Draco and Harry Potter were rivals throughout school.
In the Star Wars: Legacy comic books, Antares Draco was the leader of the Imperial Knights in the Second Imperial Civil War.
In Xena: Warrior Princess, Draco was a former lover of Xena. It was through him that Xena met Gabrielle.
Draco was the name of the dragon in the movie Dragonheart.
Draco is a genus of gliding lizards.
Draco is the latin word for dragon. In 2014, 42 boys were named Draco in the U.S.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Selene
Selene was a vampire in the Underworld franchise. She was born in Hungary in the 14th century. She was turned into a vampire by the Vampire Elder Viktor after he killed her family. Viktor told her that her family had been killed by werewolves, or Lycans. She devoted her life to the extermination of the Lycans until she found Michael Corwin and helped him become the first vampire-lycan hybrid. She and Michael were the parents of Eve, who was born and raised in captivity while her parents were held in cryogenic suspension.
In the X-Men comics, Selene Gallio was a mutant an enemy of the X-Men and a was the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club. She has the ability to drain the life of others in order to extend her own life. She was born over 17,000 years ago.
580 Selene is a minor planet of our solar system. It is located between Mars and Jupiter, and it approximately 46 km in diameter.
SELENE was the name of a Japanese lunar orbiter. It was short for Selenological and Engineering Explorer, but was better known by it's nickname, Kaguya, after a legendary moon princess.
Selene Lindstrom was a character in the Isaac Asminov novel, The Gods Themselves. Adam Selene was a character in the Robert A Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. In Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, Selene was an alias used by Lanfear.
Selene is the name of a genus of fish.
In Dungeons & Dragons, Selene was a name for a moon that orbited the planet Oerth.
Selene is of Greek origin and means "moon." Selene only made the top 1,000 names in the U.S. in four different years, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2006. In 2014, 193 girls were named Selene.
In the X-Men comics, Selene Gallio was a mutant an enemy of the X-Men and a was the Black Queen of the Hellfire Club. She has the ability to drain the life of others in order to extend her own life. She was born over 17,000 years ago.
580 Selene is a minor planet of our solar system. It is located between Mars and Jupiter, and it approximately 46 km in diameter.
SELENE was the name of a Japanese lunar orbiter. It was short for Selenological and Engineering Explorer, but was better known by it's nickname, Kaguya, after a legendary moon princess.
Selene Lindstrom was a character in the Isaac Asminov novel, The Gods Themselves. Adam Selene was a character in the Robert A Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. In Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, Selene was an alias used by Lanfear.
Selene is the name of a genus of fish.
In Dungeons & Dragons, Selene was a name for a moon that orbited the planet Oerth.
Selene is of Greek origin and means "moon." Selene only made the top 1,000 names in the U.S. in four different years, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2006. In 2014, 193 girls were named Selene.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Bellatrix
In J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series of novels, Bellatrix Lestrange is a death eater and cousin of Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black. While at Hogwarts, Bellatrix was a member of Slytherin House. During the First Wizarding War, she used the Cruciatus curse on Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom. She was sentenced to life in Azkaban prison for this crime. She later escaped from Azkaban and joined Voldemort just prior to the Second Wizarding War. She was killed during the war by Molly Weasley.
Bellatrix is the third brightest star in the constellation Orion.
The name Bellatrix is Latin, and means "female warrior." In 2014, 9 girls were named Bellatrix in the United States.
Although Bellatrix Lestrange isn't the best character to name a child after, it's a much cooler way of getting to Bella if you like that nickname.
Bellatrix is the third brightest star in the constellation Orion.
The name Bellatrix is Latin, and means "female warrior." In 2014, 9 girls were named Bellatrix in the United States.
Although Bellatrix Lestrange isn't the best character to name a child after, it's a much cooler way of getting to Bella if you like that nickname.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Janus
In Stargate, Janus was an ancient scientist. He lived in Atlantis, and was one of the Lantean survivors who escaped to Earth. Janus used unorthodox methods, and his controversial experiments and inventions were often done in defiance of the Lantean Council.
In I Am Number Four, Janus was a pilot and member of the Lorien Defence Council. He piloted the ship that brought the chosen Garde to Earth.
In Men In Black, Janus was an INS agent that was neuralized by Kay and Dee.
In Warehouse 13, the Janus Coin was used to separate a person's consiousness from their physical form.
The feminist science fiction 'fanzine', Janus, was published from 1975 to 1980.
Saturn has a moon named Janus.
There are two programming languages that bear the nameJanus. Microsoft used the name as a codename for Windows 3.1x, and as a codename for a portable version of Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM). There is a speech recognition program named Janus.
In biology, a Janus-faced molecule can have both beneficial and toxic effects.
Janus particles are nano particles that have two different physical properties.
The name Janus comes from a two-faced Roman God. He looked to the future and the past, and was the god of beginnings and endings. The name for the month of January is derived from Janus. I love this name, but I think the name is problematic for boys because it sounds too similar to the girl's name Janice. It would work well for a pet though. It has never ranked in the top 1,000 names in the U.S., and does not appear in the database for 2014.
In I Am Number Four, Janus was a pilot and member of the Lorien Defence Council. He piloted the ship that brought the chosen Garde to Earth.
In Men In Black, Janus was an INS agent that was neuralized by Kay and Dee.
In Warehouse 13, the Janus Coin was used to separate a person's consiousness from their physical form.
The feminist science fiction 'fanzine', Janus, was published from 1975 to 1980.
Saturn has a moon named Janus.
There are two programming languages that bear the nameJanus. Microsoft used the name as a codename for Windows 3.1x, and as a codename for a portable version of Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM). There is a speech recognition program named Janus.
In biology, a Janus-faced molecule can have both beneficial and toxic effects.
Janus particles are nano particles that have two different physical properties.
The name Janus comes from a two-faced Roman God. He looked to the future and the past, and was the god of beginnings and endings. The name for the month of January is derived from Janus. I love this name, but I think the name is problematic for boys because it sounds too similar to the girl's name Janice. It would work well for a pet though. It has never ranked in the top 1,000 names in the U.S., and does not appear in the database for 2014.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Elara
Elara is the name of one of Jupiter's moons. Prior to 1976, it was officially known as Jupiter VII, although it was sometimes informally called Hera. It is a very small moon, being only 43 km, or 26.7 miles in diameter.
There is a character called Elara Dorne in the Star Wars: The Old Republic video game.
There is an elf named Elara in the Great Multiverse video game.
Like many astronomical names, Elara comes from Greek Mythology. Elara was a human princess that Zeus seduced. She died giving birth to Tityos, son of Zeus and a giant. In 2014, 22 girls in the United States were named Elara.
There is a character called Elara Dorne in the Star Wars: The Old Republic video game.
There is an elf named Elara in the Great Multiverse video game.
Like many astronomical names, Elara comes from Greek Mythology. Elara was a human princess that Zeus seduced. She died giving birth to Tityos, son of Zeus and a giant. In 2014, 22 girls in the United States were named Elara.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus was a Polish mathematician and astronomer, who first postulated that the Sun, not the Earth, was at the center of the Solar system. The publication of his book, De revolutionibus oribum coelestium, in 1543 is frequently cited as the beginning date of the scientific revolution.
The name's origin is most likely from the name of the town from where Copernicus's father's family lived. Today the town is called Koperniki. At that time, people were often named for where they were from. However some believe that his name is derived from the Polish word for the dill plant "koperek" or "kopernik" that grows in that region. Copernicus does not appear in the Social Security Administration's name database. It would be an unwieldy first name, but might be usable if shorted to Nic, or used in the middle.
The name's origin is most likely from the name of the town from where Copernicus's father's family lived. Today the town is called Koperniki. At that time, people were often named for where they were from. However some believe that his name is derived from the Polish word for the dill plant "koperek" or "kopernik" that grows in that region. Copernicus does not appear in the Social Security Administration's name database. It would be an unwieldy first name, but might be usable if shorted to Nic, or used in the middle.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
August 2013 Roundup
British Baby Names profiled Archer, known to geeks as the surname of the first Captain of the Enterprise, and Malcolm, the tactical officer that served under him.
Baby Name Pondering gives us Atlas, which is a moon, a star, a comic book, a video game, and much more. They also profiled Axis, from the Wayfarer Redemption fantasy series.
Bewitching Names discussed Ceres, which is a dwarf planet.
Appellation Mountain looked in depth at Melody, the birth name of Doctor Who's River Song.
Nameberry has a post on names from the work of Neil Gaiman.
Once Upon a Time Baby names has a list of Magical Names.
Baby Name Pondering gives us Atlas, which is a moon, a star, a comic book, a video game, and much more. They also profiled Axis, from the Wayfarer Redemption fantasy series.
Bewitching Names discussed Ceres, which is a dwarf planet.
Appellation Mountain looked in depth at Melody, the birth name of Doctor Who's River Song.
Nameberry has a post on names from the work of Neil Gaiman.
Once Upon a Time Baby names has a list of Magical Names.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
July 2013 Roundup
It's time for my monthly roundup of other blogs that profiled geeky names for the month of July!
Appellation Mountain profiled Domino and Jubilee who are known to geeks as characters from X-Men.
NameFreak! has a great post on the characters from the movie Pacific Rim.
Naming the Fishes has a list of Names Worn By Elves.
Bewitching Names has a list of names inspired by the constellation Cancer.
Nameaholics Anonymous continues their Harry Potter Name series with H is for Hestia.
Histornamia has found a great name, Jaina, from Star Wars and World of Warcraft.
Appellation Mountain profiled Domino and Jubilee who are known to geeks as characters from X-Men.
NameFreak! has a great post on the characters from the movie Pacific Rim.
Naming the Fishes has a list of Names Worn By Elves.
Bewitching Names has a list of names inspired by the constellation Cancer.
Nameaholics Anonymous continues their Harry Potter Name series with H is for Hestia.
Histornamia has found a great name, Jaina, from Star Wars and World of Warcraft.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Hawking
Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist. Hawking suffers from ALS, which caused him to lose his voice. He communicates via a computer that generates speech.
Hawking radiation is a type of radiation theoretically emitted by black holes. It was named after Stephen Hawking, who first theorized it's existance.
There is a main belt asteroid named 7672 Hawking, in honor of Stephen Hawking.
Robert Hawking was a student at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban video game.
In Star Trek, two different shuttlecraft were named Hawking after Stephen Hawking.
Hawking Technology is a company that manufactures Wi-fi hardware.
Hawking fits in well with the current surname trend, and can be shortened to the very cool nickname, "Hawk". It doesn't appear in the Social Security Administration's name database, but the name Hawk was given to 33 boys in 2012. For parents in love with the sound of Hawk... why not add a few letters for a more brainy formal name?
Hawking radiation is a type of radiation theoretically emitted by black holes. It was named after Stephen Hawking, who first theorized it's existance.
There is a main belt asteroid named 7672 Hawking, in honor of Stephen Hawking.
Robert Hawking was a student at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban video game.
In Star Trek, two different shuttlecraft were named Hawking after Stephen Hawking.
Hawking Technology is a company that manufactures Wi-fi hardware.
Hawking fits in well with the current surname trend, and can be shortened to the very cool nickname, "Hawk". It doesn't appear in the Social Security Administration's name database, but the name Hawk was given to 33 boys in 2012. For parents in love with the sound of Hawk... why not add a few letters for a more brainy formal name?
Sunday, June 30, 2013
June 2013 Roundup
I took the month of June off from the blog, but plenty of other sites picked up the slack! Here's a roundup of Geeky Names profiled in the month of June.
Appellation Mountain profiled Tanith, first name of Sci-Fi writer Tanith Lee. Tanith was also a Goa'uld in Stargate SG-1.
In Name Only had Stark as their cool baby name of the week.
British Baby names talked about Ismeria, a rare name that has a slightly geek reference in that it's part of the genus name for a type of butterfly.
Baby Name Pondering has two names with a geeky side: Dale, and Fiora.
Nancy's Baby Name's Name Predictions contained a few geeky names, Cypher, Kitai and Tesla.
Bewitching Baby Names had an in depth profile of Ameratsu, which was the name of a Goa'uld in Stargate SG-1.
Nameberry had an awesome list of Celestial Names.
Appellation Mountain profiled Tanith, first name of Sci-Fi writer Tanith Lee. Tanith was also a Goa'uld in Stargate SG-1.
In Name Only had Stark as their cool baby name of the week.
British Baby names talked about Ismeria, a rare name that has a slightly geek reference in that it's part of the genus name for a type of butterfly.
Baby Name Pondering has two names with a geeky side: Dale, and Fiora.
Nancy's Baby Name's Name Predictions contained a few geeky names, Cypher, Kitai and Tesla.
Bewitching Baby Names had an in depth profile of Ameratsu, which was the name of a Goa'uld in Stargate SG-1.
Nameberry had an awesome list of Celestial Names.
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