If NASA Gave You a Planet for Free: What Would You Name It?

If NASA were to gift us a planet, it is certainly a dream come true. While I wouldn't name it 'Max' (or 'O’Flaherty'), I realize my choice would be just as unimaginative as the common choice of 'Terra.' However, if I had the opportunity, I would choose something more evocative and meaningful. Perhaps we could call it Persephone, a name that speaks of transformation and beauty.

Water: The Blue Gem of Our Planet

Our beloved Earth is famously known as 'the blue planet.' But why is that? Our planet’s name, Earth, might strike you as puzzling. Despite being covered by about 71% of water, it's named after the solid ground beneath our feet. The people who named our planet obviously had no idea of the abundant water resources beneath the surface.

Let's delve into a hypothetical scenario. If you were given the chance to name a planet, what would your answer be? My suggestion would be Persephone. This name would reflect the duality of life, death, and rebirth, much like the cycles of the seasons and the interplay of land and water.

Earth's Water to Land Ratio: A Closer Look

Earth, our cradle of life, is famously endowed with vast oceans covering more than 70% of its surface. However, recent scientific studies and satellite imagery have revealed that this water-to-land ratio could be drastically different under different conditions. For example, an analysis by researchers using satellite imagery might show a water-to-land ratio of 75% to 25%, depending on the depth and distribution of water bodies.

Here are two images that illustrate this point. The first is a fictional representation of a planet with a higher water-to-land ratio, and the second is a more realistic depiction based on current scientific data. For reference, the second image shows the distribution of land and water as they are now.

Fictional representation of a planet with a higher water-to-land ratio. Fictional representation of a planet with a higher water-to-land ratio based on current scientific data. The actual map of Earth showing the current distribution of land and water.

Image credit: [Provided by NASA and ESA, with additional analysis by XYZ Research Institute].

These images reveal how different our solar system might look. For instance, Mars, which currently has a moderate amount of land with significant ice caps, could be covered in more water under the right conditions.

Exploring Beyond the Orbit of Pluto: A New Frontier

Let's take our discussion to the next level. If you had the chance to name a planet beyond the orbit of Pluto, what would you choose? For me, I would find inspiration in mythology and choose Persephone. This name carries deep symbolic meaning and would serve as a reminder of the cycles of life and death, and of the great blue planet that Pluto leaves behind.

Persephone, in Greek mythology, is a symbol of the underworld and cycles of nature. By naming a planet after her, we would celebrate the interplay of darkness and light, death and rebirth, which is a theme that resonates with the exploration of space and the mysteries that lie beyond our horizons.

Imagine a new world, a world of Persephone, with its vast oceans, temperate climates, and vibrant ecosystems. It would be a solar system exploration and a new chapter in human history. By naming such a planet, we would not only honor our past but also inspire future generations to continue the quest for knowledge.

So, if you were given the opportunity to name a new world, what would your choice be? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's continue this discussion about the beauty and mystery of the universe.

Stay curious, and may the stars guide your journey.