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From: jdnicoll@panix.com (James Nicoll)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.written
Subject: Re: Meet the new neighbors: The solar system expands.
Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:58:28 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: Public Access Networks Corp.
Message-ID: <vc02nk$jpb$2@reader1.panix.com>
References: <lkdv73Fp9m8U1@mid.individual.net> <vbtclf$3scpu$2@dont-email.me> <vbvo9d$eq8a$1@dont-email.me> <vc01pe$jpb$1@reader1.panix.com>
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In article <vc01pe$jpb$1@reader1.panix.com>,
James Nicoll <jdnicoll@panix.com> wrote:
>In article <vbvo9d$eq8a$1@dont-email.me>,
>William Hyde  <wthyde1953@gmail.com> wrote:
>>Cryptoengineer wrote:
>>> On 9/11/2024 3:53 PM, D wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, 11 Sep 2024, Ted Nolan <tednolan> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> https://scitechdaily.com/astronomers-stunned-by-unexpected-discovery- 
>>>>> of-new-celestial-bodies-in-the-outer-solar-system/
>>>>>
>>>>>     Astronomers Stunned by Unexpected Discovery of New Celestial
>>>>>     Bodies in the Outer Solar System
>>>>>
>>>>>     Using the Subaru Telescope, astronomers have identified
>>>>>     previously unknown celestial bodies in the outer Solar
>>>>>     System, suggesting a larger, unexplored expanse that parallels
>>>>>     other planetary systems.
>>>>>
>>>>>     These findings, including a possible second ring of Kuiper
>>>>>     Belt Objects, could reshape our understanding of planetary
>>>>>     formation and potentially boost the chances of discovering
>>>>>     extraterrestrial life by revealing a more extensive and
>>>>>     typical structure of our Solar System compared to others.
>>>>>     Discovery of New Objects in the Outer Solar System
>>>>>
>>>>>     Observations of the outer Solar System with the Subaru
>>>>>     Telescope have discovered new bodies where none were expected.
>>>>>     The new objects are likely members of a much larger population
>>>>>     waiting to be discovered. This discovery has profound
>>>>>     implications for our understanding of the structure and
>>>>>     history of the Solar System.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Ahh... so Subaru expanded from cars to telescopes! And planet X might 
>>>> exist after all. ;)
>>> 
>>> The car company has nothing to do with the telescope.
>>> 
>>> The telescope is at Mauna Kea, but is owned by the National Observatory
>>> of Japan.
>>> 
>>> The Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster is 'Subaru'. Try looking
>>> at a Subaru car badge sometime, and you'll see the star cluster.
>>> 
>>> Despite being known as the 'seven sisters', the logo has only six stars.
>>> This matches what is actually naked eye visible now. When the cluster
>>> acquired that name, seven were visible, but proper motion has since
>>> moved two of them too close to resolve.
>>
>>When I first read about this cluster sixty years ago my reference said 
>>that people with "exceptionally good eyesight" could still distinguish 
>>seven stars.
>>
>>Was this true sixty years ago, or could my source possibly have 
>>uncritically quoted some older work written when this was true?
>>Or was it just nonsense?
>>
>>There was no point in testing it myself - I was pleased that I could see 
>>six stars.
>>
>>At the moment, I can't think of much SF that involves this cluster.
>>
>In a tremendous coincidence, the item I am revieweing next Wednesday
>is set there. 
>
Dickson's None But Man is set there, I think. 
-- 
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