Lunar exploration is a critical enterprise. No room for humour. No Rover McRoverface title for Australia’s Moon rover. Nor Matilda, Skippy, Bluey, Walkabout or Wombat though these have been all submitted.
Not even Rove-r McManus, Sheila, PavRover or Bruce.
However regardless of all of the no-goes, what to name Australia’s personal Moon rover will quickly be determined, after 8,000 individuals entered a contest run by the Australian House Company (ASA), to attempt to title it.
A four-name shortlist has been launched at this time, with the ultimate winner being chosen for a closing vote subsequent month.
Over the subsequent two weeks the general public will be capable to vote, with one closing title being launched to the general public on December 6th subsequent month.
For these unaccustomed to Australia’s language quirks, we do have a behavior of shortening names and including an ‘ie’ on the finish. Rover McRoverface would undoubtedly grow to be ‘Rovie’ as an example.
However no Bluey or Rovie within the 4 title shortlist. As an alternative, the workforce went with a combination of Aboriginal phrases and quintessentially Australian phrases.
The shortlist with extra remark from ASA:
Coolamon (Anil, Vic): Capturing the essence of our Indigenous heritage and connection to the land, a coolamon is a multi-purpose, sustainable software used for gathering and carrying. It symbolises the stability between utility and respect for the setting, mirroring our strategy to house exploration.
Kakirra (Hamilton Secondary Faculty, SA): Translated from the Kaurna area in Adelaide, Kakirra means ‘Moon’… and is a tribute to the historical past of Australia, simply because the rover is about the way forward for this nation. The rover is essential to lunar expeditions and is a giant step for Australia.
Mateship (Joseph, Vic): From the spirit of the Anzacs, to your mate on the native footy membership, it’s a vital a part of Australian tradition. Whether or not you’re younger or previous, reside within the metropolis or within the outback, all of us possess this indescribable trait. Let’s say ‘G’Day Mate’ to new horizons and the lunar floor.
Roo-ver (Siwa, NSW): Our lunar rover deserves to be named after one thing iconically Australian, reflecting the Aussie spirit as we launch into this new endeavour. A kangaroo is a part of the Australian Coat of Arms and it’s time for Australian science to take the subsequent leap all the way in which up into house.
You’ll be able to vote on the Australian House Company’s web site: www.space.gov.au.
