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Understanding the Naming of Space Programs

How do space programs get their names? Elizabeth Coen | Monterey, California

Throughout the history of human space exploration, organizations like NASA have chosen symbolic names that encapsulate the essence of their missions while inspiring the public. The practice dates back to the late 1950s, initiated by Abe Silverstein, NASA’s director of spaceflight development. He advocated for program names derived from ancient mythology, leading to the selection of Mercury as the name for the first human spaceflight program, inspired by the Roman god known for his role as a messenger. The Gemini program was named after the mythological twins, signifying its dual astronaut missions. The Apollo program, symbolizing powerful solar energy, was aptly chosen to characterize the history-making lunar landings, while the name Artemis was selected for upcoming missions, referencing Apollo’s twin sister.

In the modern context, private space enterprises have adopted more contemporary references. For instance, SpaceX draws inspiration from popular culture, naming its rockets Falcon after the Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise. Similarly, Blue Origin’s rockets, New Shepard and New Glenn, pay tribute to pioneering Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. This blend of historical and modern inspiration reflects the evolving relationship between space exploration and cultural storytelling. — Jennifer Levasseur, museum curator, National Air and Space Museum

The Social Behavior of Woolly Mammoths

Is it possible to know if woolly mammoths had some of the same social, caring personality characteristics as today’s elephants? Patricia A. Ryan | Londonderry, New Hampshire

Research suggests that woolly mammoths likely exhibited behavioral traits similar to those of present-day elephants, particularly in terms of social structures within their herds. Evidence gathered from fossilized remains, including digestive tracts from well-preserved mammoth mummies, has shed light on their diets and feeding practices. Interestingly, juvenile mammoths may have engaged in coprophagy, consuming the dung of adults to develop the essential gut microbiomes needed for digestion, just as young elephants do today.

There is ongoing debate concerning the extent of mammoth hunting by early humans, with some evidence suggesting that they posed significant danger to solitary hunters. Genetic studies indicate that before their extinction, certain groups of mammoths became geographically isolated, particularly on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean, leading to inbreeding. However, genetic data alone offers limited insights into the behavioral characteristics of these ancient creatures. As a result, there remains a considerable gap in understanding how specific genes influenced the behavior of woolly mammoths compared to their modern relatives. — Michael Campana, computational genomics scientist, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Iconic Films About U.S. Presidents

What is the best movie ever made about a U.S. president? Anne Singer | New York City

The exploration of presidential portrayals in film has a long history, dating back to the infancy of cinema. Although the earliest film depicting a president is the brief 1896 production “McKinley at Home, Canton, Ohio,” a standout in the genre is undoubtedly the 2012 Steven Spielberg film Lincoln. This film is lauded for its depth and accuracy in portraying one of America’s most significant leaders. In this critically acclaimed performance, actor Daniel Day-Lewis encapsulates the formidable responsibilities facing the office during an era marked by Civil War and tumultuous societal change, effectively humanizing Abraham Lincoln as he navigates a complex political landscape that resonates with contemporary audiences. — Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator, National Museum of American History

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