The whole world, or at least a very small percentage of us into geeky astronomy stuff, was floored by the discovery recently of an object that may well be a new planet. If anyone’s still paying attention, they might be happy to know scientists have at last agreed the object is a planet, and furthermore, the scientific community has agreed on a name: “Tyler.”
The discovery was originally made by the Spitzer Science Center, where a kid can be a dork, but was quickly verified by observatories all over the world, which frankly had little else to do. While the debate lingered on as to whether the object was a planet or just some shit stuck on the glass, the majority of the scientific community came together over the weekend to agree on the object’s planet status. Attention quickly turned to naming it, with many renowned scientists claiming they had called dibs on the next planet long, long ago.
“Frankly, we haven’t had a planet to name in a few centuries,” said Astronomer and amateur astrologist Benton Leatherbelt. “That name-hog Galileo took up a lot of them. Mostly all the planet-namers went the Greek god angle, with Mars and Mercury and Neptune and what. But to name a planet something like that nowadays would be a waste, not to mention anachronistic. Plus, we’re out of the best Greek god names. Unless they want to go with Hercules. I could see planet Hercules.”
Many professional astronomers agreed, except for that “Hercules” bullshit. Super-hot U Ignorant professor of astronomy Bubbles Corkran:
“It’s taken years of hard sky-looking, but finally we have a ninth or tenth planet. I can never remember which,” said Bubbles, laughing intoxicatingly. “And I, for one, want to see a name that matches that little cutie. It was me who suggested ‘Tyler,’ because I wanted something that represents our modern age and to show that today’s astromonists have their eyes to the future. Plus, I love Aerosmith. Who doesn’t love Aerosmith?”
Professor Corkran’s choice received much support among horny astronomers, but wasn’t without challenges. Other top contenders were “Jacob,” “Joshua,” “Dylan,” or “Abigail” if it turned out to be a rare female planet. Some were notably upset with the choice of name for the new planet, like Arizona State astronomy professor Wilson Bernardi.
“Naming the greatest scientific discovery of this new century ‘Tyler’ was unbelievably short-sighted and irresponsible. We had a burden upon us to apply a proper label to this new celestial body, and could have taken the proper amount of time to consider all potential choices. ‘Isis’ would have been a possibility… all I’m saying is, ‘Tyler’ seems like a very temporary and forgettable name. And I know you’re going to hear stories, but this is not just because people didn’t choose the name I proposed: Planet Faggot.”
The debate continued into the first week after the planet’s naming, but others among the world’s astronomers called for a healing of the rift.
“We’ve all spent too much time and effort on the relatively unimportant process of naming this fantastic new discovery,” smirked Lawana Kirk, professor of astronomy at the University of Colorado. “It’s time to settle down with the name and concentrate on more important aspects: Who will be the first to conquer this new planet? I’ve already got my things packed, and I’ve begun construction on the world’s fastest rocket to get me there before all you other carpetbaggers. Anyone want to call ‘shotgun’ on the window seat?”