SciShow News: Neptune's New Moon

Hank Green introduces a new discovery in the solar system: a new moon orbiting Neptune. Although the moon itself isn't new, it was recently discovered by Mark Showalter using archival Hubble Space Telescope images. The moon is small, only 20 kilometers across, and is the 14th known moon of Neptune. The discovery process is reminiscent of how Neptune was originally found using mathematics by Urbain Le Verrier in 1846. Showalter, who has discovered other moons, will propose names related to Greek or Roman sea gods for the new moon. The International Astronomical Union will decide its official name.

What is the new member of our Solar System that was recently discovered?

• A new comet

• A new asteroid

• A new moon of Neptune

• A new planet

How was Neptune originally discovered?

• Through mathematical calculations

• Using a telescope

• By observing its rings

• By sending a spacecraft

What tool did Mark Showalter use to discover Neptune's new moon?

• A space probe

• A radio telescope

• The Hubble Space Telescope

• A ground-based telescope

What is the orbital period of the newly discovered moon around Neptune?

• 72 hours

• 23 hours

• 12 hours

• 48 hours

Which other celestial bodies has Mark Showalter discovered moons around?

• Earth and Mars

• Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto

• Jupiter and Mercury

• Mars and Venus

Who decides the official name of a newly discovered celestial body?

• The general public

• The International Astronomical Union

• The discoverer

• NASA

What theme must the name of Neptune's new moon follow?

• Names of famous explorers

• Mythical creatures

• Famous astronomers

• Greek or Roman gods of the sea

Which mythological figure is NOT a potential name for Neptune's new moon?

• Poseidon

• Lamia

• Polyphemus

• Zeus

What was Lamia's punishment in mythology?

• Turned into a tree

• Banished to the underworld

• Transformed into a monster that feeds on children

• Cursed to wander the earth forever