After its discovery in 1781 by William Herschel the seventh planet was named Uranus by Johann Bode. While it seemed worthy to name it after the Greek god of the sky, it has been a source of misery for science teachers for 240 years. They made the mistake of asking the public.
When Herschel first observed the faint glimmer with his telescope he thought it was a star or comet. Later Bode figured out it was a planet and had his moment to use the Greek mythology he had learnt at school. He could of used a name of one of the twelve main Greek gods that are not silly, but not Bode. Did he realise he was precipitating 240 of misery for school science teachers? He probably did the evil git.
In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the discovery of Uranus the Astronomical Research Society – Europe (ARSE) are launching a consultation to come up with a new name.
The current favourite is Arsey McArseface. Scientists have not learnt that lesson of previous attempts to engaging the public in coming up with a name.