Mars’s moon is the freshest victim to the debate on the naming of astrological objects, which are often misleading to the nature of the object itself. In fact, both of Mars’s moons are under the watchful eye of the astrological community for being named less than aptly.
Phobos and Deios Are Too Aggressive
The Martian moons are currently named Phobos and Deois, meaning panic and dread. While it may serve as a slight reference to Disney’s Hercules for some (though Deios is translated to Pain instead), the moons were named after two gods that permeated terror and violence through Homer’s Iliad.
As Mars is found to be more and more similar to Earth, it’s obvious these names are less than fitting. Granted, Mars’s moon Phobos will have collided with Mars 50 million years from now, which would be a cause for panic, but there’s also a high chance that after collision, it becomes a ring, which could be the perfect opportunity to rename the satellite to something more fitting, more uplifting.
What Could Mars’s Moon Be Renamed To?
In the case that the planet’s Moon can be renamed, the International Astronomical Union will probably take the pick, though the original names are always given by the person who discovers the astrological object. In any case, Phobos could be even renamed to ‘Boon’, or ‘Doom’ or perhaps, if it does form a ring, The Ring of Gyges to continue in the Greek tradition.
A structural failure in Mars’ moon Phobos will end up destroying the satellite. Phobos is currently closer to Mars than any other moon is to its planet, and Martian gravity is pulling it in. NASA suspects that the larger of Mars’ two moons will be pulled apart in about 30 to 50 million years.
Phobos Has Been Falling Apart for A Long Time
Mars’ moon Phobos is coming closer to Mars about 6.6 ft every hundred years, and in progression, it will ultimately destroy the satellite. The moon is currently only 3,700 miles above the Martian surface, and scientists share that it’s likely that the moon is already starting to fall apart.
The grooves on Mars’ moon Phobos were long believed to be fractures initially caused by the impact that created the Stickney crater, which was so powerful it nearly destroyed the satellite. However, these grooves don’t radiate outwards of the crater, but from another nearby area. A theory that explains this reads that the grooves have been produced by impacts from objects ejected from Mars, or that the grooves are actually cracks that form when Mars’ moon Phobos is deformed by tidal forces, produced by the gravitational pull between the planet and its larger moon.
NASA
Mars’ Moon Phobos is Not Alone
This same gravitational pull happens between the Earth and the Moon, and it is what makes tides in the oceans, and it’s also why the Earth and the Moon are egg-shaped rather than round.
These tidal forces pulling at Mars’ moon Phobos are perfectly capable of fracturing the surface of the satellite, and judging by the timeline of the appearance of these grooves, which shows that some are older than others, this is an ongoing disaster. Phobos is a calamity lying in wait.
The same thing could happen with Triton, Neptune’s moon, which is falling inward and is similarly ‘grooved’ to Mars’ moon Phobos.
Names have been said to have the power to shape a person’s destiny. In TV and movies, I have heard people talk about how someone can have a strong and powerful name. Beyonce. Powerful name. Madonna. Powerful name. Sexy Timberlake. I mean Justin Timberlake. Powerful name. Conversely, a person’s name can have a negative impact. It is no secret that some hiring mangers will discard someone’s application based on a name. New parents should really put thought into their newborn baby names.
The moons in our solar system have been given unique names. Many moons have been named after mythological figures. Although the individuals that these moons have been named after have incredible stories, the direct meanings of these moon names are what should really be important. If we can start to ignore the abnormal pronunciations and spelling of names and focus on the meanings, people can start to really flourish. Here are five moon baby names that are sure to ingrain success in your child:
Phobos
The larger between the two Mars moons, Phobos means fear. Name your child Phobos and he could become a kick-ass spy. Feared by many and ruthless when need be, give your kid the name Phobos and he won’t go down without a fight.
Metis
Metis is the innermost moon of Jupiter and named after the first wife of Zeus. In Greek, Metis means wisdom. With the name Metis, your baby could grow up to be a leader, full of intelligence and advice.
Praxidike
Okay, this baby name may be hard for your kid to pronounce but she will get it one day. And if anyone decides to make fun of her for it, she will be the judge and the jury. Praxidike is the retrograde irregular moon orbiting Jupiter. Praxidike means exercise justice. Your little toddler will one day become a powerful judge or a correctional officer. Are you thinking about using any of these baby names yet?
Prometheus
This one is definitely one of the better baby names. Prometheus is the inner moon of Saturn and means foresight. I wouldn’t say that your kid will be able to see the future but he will be able see problems before they happen. Being proactive will get him far.
Pandora
This is actually my favorite of the moon baby names. I can see myself screaming Pandora at her piano recital, hip-hop dance performance, and her winning science fair presentation. Pandora is an inner moon of Saturn and means all gifts. This baby will grow up to do everything and then some.
Don’t be afraid to be creative with your baby names. Give your children something to reflect upon and build off of! Let their name instill confidence in their life and help them walk with pride. These moon baby names will forge a destiny for your child that is too great to overlook.
Expecting? Have a friend expecting? A perfect baby shower gift (for when the little tyke becomes a toddler, anyway):
