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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 00:42:23 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: Public Access Networks Corp.
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References: <lkdv73Fp9m8U1@mid.individual.net> <20d33f26-5b21-86fb-6e0b-9c133025325b@example.net> <vbtclf$3scpu$2@dont-email.me> <vbvo9d$eq8a$1@dont-email.me>
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In article <vbvo9d$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. 

-- 
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