China reveals shortlist of 10 names for 1st Mars rover
A Mars probe is launched on a Long March-5 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern China's Hainan Province, July 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
A shortlist of 10 potential names for the Tianwen-1 mission rover, China's first Mars rover, has been released following an initial evaluation conducted by the global naming campaign.
Selected from a pool of 39, 811 nominations, the ten names – Hongyi, Qilin , Nezha, Chitu, Zhurong, Qiusuo, Fenghuolun, Zhuimeng, Tianxing, and Xinghuo – all bear a relationship to traditional Chinese culture, with elements taken from Chinese mythological figures, Confucian concepts, and legendary animals.
Hongyi, from the Analects of Confucius, has led the pack in voting as many think its meaning of ambition and persistence can vividly demonstrate the challenging journey of Tianwen's Mars mission.
Nezha, a household name referring to a Chinese mythological hero who is known as a rather strong-willed youth born with the power to breath fire, is also favored by the public. Even Nezha's primary weapon, the Fenghuolun, or namely the “wind-and-fire wheel,” is on the shortlist.
Selected from “Li Sao” (or "Encountering Sorrow"), a poem written by Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet and a loyal official of the State of Chu during the Warring States period of ancient China, the word Qiusuo can be understood as the spirit of searching the road ahead, and represents the Chinese people's endless endeavor to explore the secrets of the Red Planet. Much like Qiusuo, the word Zhuimeng literally translates into “dream chaser,” and similarly reveals China's ambitions to explore Mars and the great cosmos.
With its traditional Chinese designation as "the fire star," the meaning of other selected names on the shortlist share a resemblance to its most intrinsic feature – its fiery red surface. Originating from ancient Chinese mythological stories, Qilin (aka Kylin, which is a mythical Chinese unicorn) and Chitu (aka Red Hare, a fabled horse) were both believed to have the power of breathing fire. Likewise, Zhurong is known as the god of fire in Chinese mythology, while Xinghuo in Chinese refers to a spark that can start a prairie fire and Tianxing describes the motions of celestial bodies.
The public will be able to vote for their favorite names using designated APPs up unto the deadline at 12:00 pm midnight on Feb. 28, 2021.
Launched on July 23, 2020, Tianwen-1, China's first Mars probe program, is expected to approach the Mars orbit around Feb. 10, a day before Chinese New Year's Eve, and prepare for a planned landing in May. The official name for the Mars rover will be released before initiating its landing.
Last year, the Chinese space authorities held an official global naming campaign that lasted for 40 days, and people worldwide showed great zeal, with about 1.4 million people from 38 countries and regions participating.
(Photo/CCTV)
Related articles
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s first Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as act2024-05-21Australian police search area south of Ballarat for body of missing mum Samantha Murphy
Samantha Murphy was last seen on 4 February and a man has been arrested for her murder. Photo: Victo2024-05-21Coordinated Lunar Time: White House tells NASA to create time standard for the moon
By Joey Roulette and Will Dunham, ReutersThe space agency has been instructed to devise a plan by th2024-05-21Department of Internal Affairs announces cuts, winds up water reform teams
The Department of Internal Affairs is announcing job cuts today, joining other government department2024-05-21'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21VOX POPULI: Vertical writing an indispensable part of thinking in Japanese
When you picture a timeline of Japanese history, which side is the Jomon Pottery Culture Period (c.2024-05-21
atest comment