If you live in or have ever visited the Southern Hemisphere, you might have seen in the night sky two patchy white collections of stars off the main body of our galaxy, the Milky Way. These are two of the several dwarf galaxies orbiting our own and are called the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). Their names, however, are now being called into question by astronomers uncomfortable with their eponym.
These two astronomical objects are named after Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer whose crew became the first to circumnavigate the globe. Magellan and his crew conducted an incredible feat of exploration, but they enslaved and killed indigenous people in Argentina, Guam, and the Philippines while doing so. For these reasons, astronomers are calling into question why these two celestial objects should be named after a colonizer, slaver, and murderer, particularly as there is precedent for renaming cosmic objects when a name has become insensitive or problematic.
A Cosmic Dilemma:
The Magellanic Clouds’ Name Change
“Renaming is not a new fad in astronomy. In 2018, the IAU [International Astronomical Union] renamed the ‘Hubble Law’ to the ‘Hubble-Lemaître Law’ to acknowledge the scientific contributions of Georges Lemaître,” Professor Mia de los Reyes, from Amherst College, who first called for the name change in an opinion piece in Physics Magazine, told IFLScience. “Renaming the LMC and SMC would similarly acknowledge the contributions of the Indigenous communities who identified and observed the Clouds long before Magellan.”
Magellan was not an astronomer and was not the first one to see or record the Clouds. Humans in the Southern Hemisphere have been looking at them for tens of thousands of years, and there are historical names and stories associated with them across the world that predate the description from Magellan’s scribe. Magellan’s description was not even the first to reach Europe from people in the Northern Hemisphere. Both Italian and Arabic sailors reported them at least a decade before the Magellan expedition.
A Tale of Two Clouds:
What’s in a Name?
The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, often simply referred to as the Magellanic Clouds, have fascinated astronomers and stargazers alike for centuries. These two irregular dwarf galaxies, located approximately 160,000 and 200,000 light-years away, respectively, from Earth, have offered a unique glimpse into the cosmos. They are teeming with stellar nurseries, massive stars, and regions of active star formation, making them invaluable for scientific study and a captivating sight for skywatchers.
Yet, the controversy surrounding their nomenclature raises questions about the role of historical figures in the naming of celestial objects. Ferdinand Magellan’s monumental voyage, which began in 1519 and culminated with the circumnavigation of the Earth, undeniably left a lasting mark on the world’s understanding of geography and exploration. However, his actions as a colonialist and the brutal treatment of indigenous populations during his journey have cast a shadow over his legacy.
Astronomers now ask whether it’s appropriate for such a dark legacy to be associated with these distant galaxies. By renaming the Magellanic Clouds, the focus would shift from a divisive historical figure to the rich and diverse traditions of the Indigenous communities who observed these galaxies long before Magellan’s arrival. The name change would honor their contributions to our understanding of the cosmos and promote a more inclusive and equitable representation of our shared astronomical heritage.
Beyond Magellan:
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom
The call to rename the Magellanic Clouds is not just about replacing an outdated name. It’s about recognizing the millennia of knowledge that Indigenous communities in the Southern Hemisphere have accumulated about these celestial objects. Their cultures are steeped in oral traditions, myths, and stories that incorporate the Magellanic Clouds into their cosmology.
The Indigenous peoples of the region have understood the significance of the Magellanic Clouds for generations. Their names and interpretations of these celestial bodies often differ from the colonial labels imposed by European explorers. These names carry cultural, spiritual, and scientific significance, providing a profound connection to the cosmos that deserves acknowledgment.
As Professor de los Reyes rightly points out, the contributions of Indigenous communities extend far beyond simple observations. Their deep understanding of the stars and their movements has been crucial for agriculture, navigation, and the development of calendars, shaping their societies in profound ways.
Renaming the Magellanic Clouds in light of these cultural connections would not only address historical insensitivities but also underscore the shared human experience of looking up at the night sky. It’s a reminder that the wonders of the cosmos belong to everyone, regardless of their place of birth or the historical legacy they carry.
Astronomy, as a science that transcends borders and cultures, should reflect the inclusivity and diversity of our global community. The stars, galaxies, and celestial phenomena we study belong to no one and to everyone simultaneously. It is only fitting that we honor this truth by acknowledging the rich tapestry of perspectives on the universe.
The proposal to rename the Magellanic Clouds is not an erasure of history but a celebration of the diverse and interconnected history of humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. It is an acknowledgment that there is more to the universe than what meets the eye, just as there is more to a name than a historical figure.
By embracing the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous communities who have observed the Magellanic Clouds for generations, we can bring a new perspective to these celestial neighbors. Their names, rooted in ancient traditions and insights, would enrich our understanding of these galaxies and remind us that the stars belong to everyone, regardless of the historical legacy they carry.
In the end, it’s not just about renaming two galaxies; it’s about rewriting our cosmic narrative, one that reflects the tapestry of human experiences and our enduring quest to understand the universe. So, as astronomers look to the skies, they also look inward, recognizing the need to shape a more inclusive and respectful future for all who share this cosmic journey.
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