Earth’s Mysterious "Quasi-Moon" Set to Earn a Name - Vote for Your Favorite!

In a fascinating development for astronomy enthusiasts, Earth’s unusual “quasi-moon” — officially known as asteroid (164207) 2004 GU9 — is on the verge of receiving a name, and you have a say in it!

Earlier this year, the acclaimed science podcast Radiolab teamed up with the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the body responsible for naming celestial objects, to launch an exciting contest. The asteroid, measuring about 500 feet (or 150 meters) across, is one of Earth’s temporary companions. It shares a similar orbital path around the sun with our planet and is expected to linger in our vicinity for approximately 600 more years before drifting off into the cosmos.

After sifting through around 3,000 name submissions from more than 90 countries, a panel of experts, including the beloved "Science Guy" Bill Nye, has narrowed the choices down to seven finalists. The names are both unique and steeped in cultural significance, reflecting various mythologies from across the globe. Here are the contenders:

1. **Bakunawa** (Filipino mythology) - A dragon-like creature associated with eclipses. 2. **Cardea** (Roman mythology) - The goddess of door hinges and change. 3. **Ehaema** (Estonian mythology) - A character linked to protection and wellness. 4. **Enkidu** (Sumerian mythology) - A wild man who befriends the famous king Gilgamesh. 5. **Ótr** (Norse mythology) - A mythical being associated with water and transformation. 6. **Tarriaksuk** (Inuit mythology) - Represents Arctic wisdom and resilience. 7. **Tecciztecatl** (Aztec mythology) - The god of the moon, symbolizing light and life.

Latif Nasser, co-host of Radiolab, expressed excitement about the opportunity to essentially name a cosmic entity: “How lucky are we that we get to name something in space that will outlive us all?! We want to ensure that people everywhere can be part of this inspiring journey.”

The final voting phase will be open until January 1, 2025, allowing astronomy fans and curious individuals alike to make their voices heard. You can explore more about each name and cast your vote on the contest's official website.

This initiative not only brings together a global community of space enthusiasts but also emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in modern science. So, what are you waiting for? Join in on this cosmic event and help name a piece of our universe!