Two new satellites of Uranus look certain to be named Sycorax and Caliban,
after the witch and her feral son in Shakespeare鈥檚 The Tempest. Phil
Nicholson of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who proposed the names, is
now waiting for official approval from the International Astronomical Union. The
two moons were discovered last autumn
(In Brief, 8 November 1997, p 29). Sycorax
takes 3.5 years to complete its irregular orbit, the longest period of any known
moon. The two probably formed beyond Neptune and were later captured by Uranus,
says Nicholson. Uranian moons are traditionally given Shakespearean names.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
Galapagos corals suggest climate change drives stronger El Ni帽os
News
Life
Astonishing whale feeding frenzy seen off the eastern coast of Greenland
News
Environment
Octopuses released into Adriatic Sea to tackle invasive crabs
News
Technology
Driving data can predict crash black spots before accidents happen
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles