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Projects: Red Rover Goes to Mars
Naming the Rovers
The Name the Rovers contest provided students with the opportunity to find
a place in history by naming the Mars Exploration Rovers. The contest
was managed by the LEGO Company and The Planetary Society in conjuction with
NASA. Nearly 10,000 entries were received. LEGO and The Planetary
Society winnowed these to 34 contest winners, whose entries and supporting
essays were forwarded to NASA for their consideration. NASA selected
the Grand Prize Winner, 9-year-old Sofi Collis, for her entry of “Spirit” and “Opportunity,” announcing
the new names just before Spirit’s launch, on June 7, 2003.
Following are the winning Name the Rovers entries. Congratulations to all
of the winners, and thanks to the thousands of children who offered their
suggestions for rover names.
Grand Prize Winner
Sofi Collis of Scottsdale, AZ Age: 9 Grade: 3
Suggested names: Sprit and Opportunity
I used to live in an Orphanage. It was dark and cold and lonely. At night,
I looked up at the sparkly sky and felt better. I dreamed I could fly there.
In America, I can make all my dreams come true….. Thank-you for the "Spirit" and
the "Opportunity"
First Prize Winners
One first prize winner was chosen from each of the grade categories (K-3,
4-7, and 8-12).
Matthew Franz of Tigaro, OR Age: 8 Grade: 2
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
The name of the rovers should be Orville and Wilbur. To celebrate the one
hundreth year of powered flight, in 1903. The Wright brother's invented, desighned,
constructed and flew the powered "Wright Flyer" and started a new
exploration in aviation.
Tommy Tokmenko of Merritt Island, FL Age: 10 Grade: 4
Suggested names: Sacagawea and York
I think the names of the two Mars Exploration Rovers should be Sacagawea
and York, in honor of the only Native American Indian woman and only black
American to be part of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Both Sacagawea
and York were extremely courageous and important to the success of the expedition,
and embody the pioneer spirit of discovery and exploration. Sacagawea's knowledge
of the land, Indian cultures, and tribal languages and York's great strength,
hunting skills, and compassion for others made them great explorers and valuable
team members of the Corp of discovery. I don't think Lewis and Clark would
have been able to reach the Pacific Ocean and return safely without Sacagawea
and York's personal contributions and selfless devotion to the other members
of the expedition. Lewis and Clark's search for the Northwest Passage was
one of the greatest explorations of the unknown and search for knowledge in
history. Naming the Mars Rovers Sacagawea and York is a wonderful tribute
to two great explorers and the Rovers will also travel on a long journey that
will help others and teach us new things.
Michael Kirka of Brighton, MI Age: 16 Grade: 11
Suggested names: Lupus and Picus
Mars, in Roman mythology, was the god of war and depicted as a fearless warrior.
He was one of the three great guardians of Rome. Mars was also a god of agriculture,
and protector of cattle. The wolf and the woodpecker were sacred to him. By
naming the rovers after the wolf and woodpecker, in Latin, Lupus and Picus,
respectively, Mars, the planet will be kind and protect the rovers on their
mission in honor of their namesakes.
Second Prize Winners
Ten second prize winners were chosen from each of the grade categories.
Grades K-3
Nicholas Salerno of Hackensack, NJ Age: 7 Grade: 2
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
I think Orville and Wilber are the two best names for the contest. They are
great names for the Mars Exploration Missin Robotic Rovers because without
them we woulde't have airplanes, blimps, spaceships, and helicopters. Orville
and Wilber were the first people to fly an airplane. Thats why I chose them.
Madison Taylor of Durham, NC Age: 7 Grade: 2
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
I think we should name the rovers Orville and Wilbur because it's the 100th
anniversary of the first time they flew the first airplane in 1903. If Orville
and Wilbur didn't think about inventing the airplane we would not be flying
into space.
Timothy Wong of Diamond Bar, CA Age: 8 Grade: 2
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
I choose the Wright brothers for the names of the two rovers. Because they
invented the first powered flight that created modern aviation including rovers,
rockets, and satellites. The rovers will be launched in 2003, which is the
100th anniversary of the invention. Older Wilbur is the first flying rover.
Sophie Schwartz of Cleveland Heights, OH Age: 8 Grade:
2
Suggested names: The Future and The Promise
The mars mission may change the future of the world. Maybe we can live on
Mars someday. Maybe we can survive up there. It's like a promise it will be
a good thing. Someday, I hope ordinary people, not just astranauts and robots,
can go up and see Mars.
James Cardinal of Minot AFB, ND Age: 9 Grade: 3
Suggested names: Jack and Jill
I think it would be nice to name the Mars rovers Jack and Jill. Jack and
Jill went up the hill looking for water. The Mars rovers are there because
they are going up and down hills searching for water under the ground. Except
they don't fall down the hill.
Sebastian Mitchell of Eugene, OR Age: 8 Grade: 3
Suggested names: Endurance and Quest
Endurance and Quest were ships sailed by Ernest Schackleton, who explored
Antarctica, which is cold like Mars. Also, "endurance" means "strength" and "quest" means "explore." A
Mars rover needs endurance because it might freeze in the hard climate, and
it needs to explore or else it won't complete its mission.
Peter Grazia of Turlock, CA Age: 8 Grade: 2
Suggested names: History and Future
The first rover should be called History since this event will forever change
history on our planet. The second one named Future will take us into a new
space world. When the rovers land both our history and future will be changed.
I hope you consider these names. Thank you.
Emily Eaten of Somerset, MA Age: 7 Grade: 2
Suggested names: Minda and Miakoda
Native Americans tell many legends involving the sky, space, and stars. I
choose two native american words to be the names for the rovers. Minda because
it means knowledge and we want to gain knowledge of Mars and Miakoda because
it means power of the moon which is in space.
Ian Page of Bellevue, WA Age: 6 Grade: K
Suggested names: Spirit and Dream
Dear Nasa I think the Rovers should be called Spirit and Dream for the Spirit
and the Dreams of all the Astronauts that died. From Ian
Zachary Alan of Midlothian, VA Age: 7 Grade: 1
Suggested names: Shackleton and Endurance
The rovers should be named Shackleton and Endurance. Ernest Shackleton and
his crew faced many dangers as they tried to cross Antarctica in 1914. Their
ship, Endurance, wrecked, and they struggled for two years to get home. Shackleton,
who saved all 27 men, is a symbol of courage and endurance.
Grades 4-7
Brendan Dwyer of Northport, NY Age: 12 Grade: 6
Suggested names: Wilbur and Orville
We should name the rovers "Wilbur" and "Orville" "after
the Wright brothers who started humankind's long journey to Mars and beyond.
The long hard road starts December 17, 1903. It's a cold
blustery day at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville Wright lies nervously inside
the cokcput of the first powered aircraft. His brother Wilbur stands nearby
steadying the craft. The engine starts and in a few moments the brothers will
know if their years of hard work paid off. Wilbur runs beside the plane as
it glides faster and faster into history doing what we could only dream of
before...
One hundred years later, the cold Martian winds blow across
the Hematite plains of Terra Meridian. A parachute opens in the red sky and
a probe fires rockets to bounce onto the surface. A rover sets out to explore
and to learn. Soon, just like the two brothers at Kitty Hawk, a second rover
comes to join in the adventure.
Naming the rovers "Wilbur" and "Orville" will
be the perfect way to honor and commemorate the 100th anniversary of that amazing
first flight and "the first astronauts." It will tell the world that
maybe technology has changed but NASA's spirit of exploration and discovery
will last forever. The names are easy to remember and will give the rovers
friendly personalities. This is really important if they do answer the question "Is
there life on Mars?" Just like the whole world remembers Wilbur and Orville
Wright, everyone will remember the rovers.
Drew Troger of Ada, MI Age: 13 Grade: 7
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
I think that these Rovers should be named Orville and Wilbur, because these
are the names of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers were the first people
to make a working airplane, and I think it would be appropriate to tribute
the names of these Rovers to them. It would be fitting to recognize the ones
them, and their work, as the ones who started all of the progress in aeronautics
that we have made today. Although they only succeeded in flying for an extremely
small time, they found the design that all early aircraft were based on. Also,
they did large amounts of research on improvement of their original design,
and came up with many better designs. Because of all the hard work they put
into it, I think that they are not only brilliant men, but incredibly hard
working and persistent. In fact, they created many failed designs before finally
getting it right. They even continued research when everyone started to give
up and chide them for their supposed “fanatic” interest in creating
a flying airplane. To test their airplane, they traveled all the way from
Ohio, where they had done all of their work, to the perfect testing area of
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It is there where they made their famous flight.
These are the reasons why I wish these Rovers to be named Orville and Wilbur.
In short, they were brilliant, hard working men, who are the fathers of modern
flight as we know it.
Olivia A. Ordonez of Miami, FL Age: 13 Grade: 7
Suggested names: Orville and Wilbur
So you want to talk about the "Wright" name for the Mars rovers?
As we approach the centennial of their historic flight, I think it would be
a fitting honor to name the rovers Orville and Wilbur, in recognition of the
Wight Brothers. The Wright Brothers possessed all the qualities NASA looks
for in astronauts today: intelligence, willpower, and determination.
The rovers will be launched in 2003, the same year we celebrate
the 100th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur's flight in Kitty Hawk, NC. The
journey the rovers are going to take was truly started that day. Without the
Wright Brothers, flight technology would be nowhere near as advanced as it
is today. People would've begun flying much later, and thus, there woud be
no Mars Rover mision to look forward to at all. Ortville was a member of the
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA,
for twenty-eight years. Their ideas greatly influenced flight even after THE
flight, Orville and Wilbur even designed the first military aircraft.
That is why I believe the Rovers should be named Orville
and Wilbur. The Wright Brothers are the founding fathers of flight, and their
first flight was the stepping-stone for all flights today. NASA, stood on the
shouldersof Orville and Wilbur Wright to take us to space, and as the Mars
Rovers reach the Martian Surface, it would be a tribute to the Brothers who
without them, NASA might not be here at all.
Vani Ramaraj of Dayton, NJ Age: 10 Grade: 5
Suggested names: Wilbur and Orville
I believe that we should give the Mars Exploration Rovers names that will
suit them for their time and capabilities. We hope to give them titles as
good as the people we name them after. That is why I have chosen to name these
two "explorers" after the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were the reason we can travel
from America, to Canada, to London, to Russia, to India and back in less than
one or two days. This is because of the great invention of the airplane. When
the Wright brothers invented the airplane, they invented it with persistency,
determination, curiosity, and most importantly, a will. I hope that these two
rovers will explore with curiosity and never give up just like Orville and
Wilbur. Another reason we should name the rovers Wilbur and Orville is because
this year commemorates the Centennial-of-Flight, to celebrate the glory of
the Wright brother's invention.
If we name the rovers Wilbur and Orville Wright, Wilbur
should be the first to venture into the unknown world. Wilbur was first to
test the airplane; Wilbur might as well go to Mars first to follow this pattern.
Next, Orville can go up into space for exploration. The space crafts will have
equal capabilities and they will work together to find solutions just as the
famous young fliers Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Rachel Shepherd of Brookline, MA Age: 13 Grade: 7
Suggested names: Hudson and Ogden
Finding the history of water on Mars is an objective of the Twin Mars Rovers.
I believe the twin rovers should be named Hudson and Ogden. I chose these
names because both of these explorers of America tried to and did discover
water. Thus, the twin rovers' names reflect their mission--to find H20. In
addition, Henry Hudson's initials are "HH and Ogden's last name begins
with "O". This mnemonic device may help children by making both
the names and mission of the rovers easy to remember.
Henry Hudson was an English explorer who came to North America
looking for the "Northwest Passage". While the passage did not exist,
Hudson did discover the Hudson Valley and followed the previously discovered
Hudson River 150 miles farther down its course. Peter Skene Ogden explored
western America. He was the chief trader of the Hudson Bay Company. While mapping
part of the western United States, he discovered the Humboldt River and followed
its course.
Hudson and Ogden were two highly dedicated men. They perservered
in finding new things working under very difficult condition. Their exploration
added to our knowledge of the New World. Right now, we know that there is no
liquid water on Mars. Even so, learning the history of liquid water is important.
Like Hudson and Ogden, the twin rovers will probably discover things we never
expected. And, like these brave American explorers, the twin rovers will add
to our understanding of a new world.
Ann K. White of Redondo Beach CA Age: 8 Grade: 4
Suggested names: Shackleton and Endurance
In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton left England on the Endurance,
to explore the South Pole. I think the robots should be named Shackleton and
Endurance because they will explore and collect data from Mars, just as Shackleton
tried to do in Antarctica. "By Endurance We Conquer" was Shackleton's
family motto, his belief and what helped him fight the ice, the 200 mph wind
speeds, the greybeards and the 100 degree below zero temperatures. I hope
that the robots will embody all the qualities Shackleton had.
When Shackleton's ship became trapped in the ice, it was
slowly being "crushed like an almond in the middle of a candy bar," wrote
one of his crew members. Shackleton then ordered his men to abandon the ship,
taking with them three small, flimsy lifeboats which could not be launched
because the water had frozen. Instead, the men were forced to live on moving
ice floes with little food and water for nine months.
When the ice finally broke up, Shackleton ordered his men
to launch the lifeboats for tiny, uninhabited Elephant Island, a treacherous
200 miles away. This arduous journey was not only dangerous because of the
unseaworthy boats, there was also the constant threat of massive ice coated
waves and killer whales who wanted to snack on the men.
It is not Shackleton's near success that makes him remarkable,
it is that after a grueling 730 days, the weary men came home thanks to his
leadership and endurance.
Kelsey Kramer of Lancaster, PA Age: 11 Grade: 5
Suggested names: Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart
I think that the two land rovers going to Mars should
be named Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. I think this because in 1927,
Charles Lindbergh was the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1932, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo
across the Atlantic Ocean.
They both were determined and didn't want to stick to old ideas. They wanted
new ideas. The rovers are very similar to Lindbergh and Earhart. They are
going to Mars in April. They want to get new information to help find out
if there was, is, or will be life on Mars, what lies in Earth's future, and
much more. They are determined.
That's why I think the two rovers going to Mars should be
named Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart!
Maci Sickels of Mount Ayr, IA Age: 10 Grade: 5
Suggested names: Marquette and Joliet
I think good names for the rovers would be Marquette and
Jolliet. These two famous explorers traveled along the greatest river in North
America, the Mississippi River. Although the Mars Exploration Rovers will
not actually be looking for water, they will be traveling to study the evidence
of water from the great riverbeds on Mars.
The explorers, Marquette and Jolliet, made hydrographs (maps
of navigable water) as they traveled. An important part of the Mars Exploration
Rovers' mission is to make maps, also.
Marquette was born in Leon, France, and Jolliet was born
near Quebec City, Canada. The men "launched" their voyage up the
Mississippi River by going around the southern tip of Florida. The Mars Exploration
Rovers were built in Pasadena, California, and will launch off into space from
southern Florida. Both the explorers and the rovers made long journeys for
their period in history.
Marquette and Jolliet were searching the path of the river
to learn as much as they could to help future travelers. The Mars Exploration
Rovers are searching and trying to learn as much as they can to help future
travelers in space. As long as people have the desire to dream and explore,
like Marquette and Jolliet, mankind will be successful.
David Matteson of Orlando, FL Age: 10 Grade: 4
Suggested names: Holmes and Watson
"Elementary, my dear Watson!" This quote was
repeatedly uttered by one of movie history's most observant investigators,
Sherlock Holmes, to his assistant, Dr. Watson. The Mars Rovers will be the "observant
investigators" of the future, and therefore, it is proposed the Rovers
be named Holmes and Watson.
Holmes and Watson would be appropriate names for the Mars
Rovers because the Rovers, like the famous detectives, will be searching for
clues to solve "mysteries." The Rovers will be gathering clues to
past water activity on Mars and to what the environment of Mars was like when
liquid water was present.
The Mars Rovers, also like Holmes and Watson, will be conducting
investigations. The Rovers will help determine what forces shaped the landscape
of Mars. Similarly, Holmes and Watson looked at what forces were at work when
a crime was committed.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson used the information they gathered to draw
conclusions about the mysteries they solved. Likewise, the Rovers will assist
scientists in drawing conclusions about the Mars of the past.
Holmes and Watson, the names of two sleuths from fictional
history, would make excellent names for the Mars Rovers, the sleuths of the
future. Liek Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, the Rovers will be searching for
clues, determining the forces behind "mysteries," and helping conclusions
to be reached. It is easy to imagine, far away on The Red Planet, one Rover "saying" to
the other, "Elementary, my dear Watson!"
Nathan H. Sobotka of Allison Park, FL Age: 11 Grade: 5
Suggested names: Rosie and Walt
I have selected the names "Rosie" and "Walt" for
the two Mars Exploration Mission robotic rovers. I have picked these names
because they are the names of my grandfather and my grandmother - Walter and
Rose Sobotka. My grandfather, Walter Sobotka worked for NASA at the Lewis
Flight Laboratories in Brookpark, Ohio for over 30 years. He was married to
Rose Sobotka for more than 40 years. I never knew my grandfather, because
he died before he was born. My grandmother "Rosie" died two years
ago. My Dad tells me many stories about when my grandfather worked for NASA.
He was a tool and dye maker and a machinist and helped build some of the pieces
for the first jet engines and early rockets. My Dad says Rosie and Walt were
a great couple and the rovers hsould be named after a great couple. They were
first generation Americans - their parents came from Poland to the US in the
early 1900s. The rovers will be the first pair of explorers on Mars and naming
them after people who helped make this country great, and worked for the space
program, would be a symbol of how this country and the space program was founded
and built - ordinary people contributing their small part.
I am writing this two days after the shuttle Columbia was
lost. I think my grandparents, would like us to still go into space because
there are so many things that are out there to understand and explore.
Grades 8-12
Damian Liepell of Fredericksburg, VA Age: 17 Grade: 12
Suggested names: Lupus and Picus
These are the Latin names of the two sacred animals of the Roman god Mars.
The wolf, Lupus, raised Romulus and Remus, the sons of Mars. Romulus went
on to found Rome - the greatest state of the time - that looked to Mars for
inspiration. Picus, the sacred bird of Mars, was able to see the future. Both
of these creatures had special ties to Mars and served him in different ways.
The wolf, Lupus, ensured the future generations that would look to him. The
woodpecker, Picus, was able to provide an eye to the future. Lupus would be
a caretaker of the information that will serve future generations of the world
and especially the greatest nation-state of this time. Picus will provide
an eye to future exploration and influence things to come. Like Picus, they
will fly to Mars and like Lupus, they will cover the terrain with keen senses.
Lydia Broussard of Columbia, MD Age: 15 Grade: 10
Suggested names: Banneker and Mitchel
The next two mars rovers should be called the Banneker
and the Mitchell. These are named after Benjamin Banneker, one of the first
African American astronomers, and Maria Mitchell, the first woman astronomer
in America. Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731. Before age fifty
eight, Banneker could take apart a pocket watch and sketch each part before
putting it back together and discovering it could still work. He began at
age fifty eight to predict eclipses and publish them in his own almanac. This
was a best seller from 1792-1797. Also during this time, he helped to survey
the land reserved for the United States Capital of Washington, D.C. Over the
course of his 74 years, he was recognized by Thomas Jefferson for his achievements,
and helped to prove that there is equal potential between all Americans, despite
their skin colors. If Banneker did all this in his years on earth, imagine
how manyt things the Banneker rover could do on mars. The possibilities are
endless.
Maria Mitchell was born on August 1, 1918. She discovered
a comet in 1847, and with much controversy, received a gold metal from the
king of Denmark for discovering the comet through a telescope. In as little
as the next year, she was voted the first woman in the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences. The Association for the Advancement of Science followed
quickly. In 1849, She was awarded the job of being a person to compute the
position of the planet Venus regularly from the U.S. Nautical Almanac Office.
From 1849 to 1869, she did extensive studies on sunspots, meteor showers, the
surface features of Jupiter and Saturn, and helped to identify stars.
These two people have paved the way for many minority astronomers.
Through this, they should also help to pave the way for all of humankind's
space exploration. They should both have the chance to change, again, how people
live. If these two are picked, the minorities of astronomy will go down in
history again in 2003.
Kiki El-Hout of New Port Richey, FL Age: 14 Grade: 8
Suggested names: Resilience and Epiphany
When you think of a NASA exploration mission, you want
the name of it to mean so much, right? You believe it should symbolize words
such as courage, enlightenment, wonder, and most of all, importance rolled
into one. There are plenty of words to choose from, but for me, the names
Resilience and Epiphany stood out among the rest. For these names, above all,
signify a true, one of a kind, meaning in which the Mars rovers should be
known.
First of all, not only does the Resilience have a smooth,
catchy ring to it, but it also has an exceptional value of what a NASA space
vehicle should be. In the Encarta world English dictionary, the definition
of Resilience is: "the easy ability to recover quickly from setbacks." Which
in turn means it is strongly able to bounce right back into action on a moments
notice. In my opinion, Resilience is the absolute perfect word to describe
one of the prestigious red planet search vehicles. The main reason why I chose
this name is because Resilience is an interesting word that emits the great
power that NASA should look for in a rover.
Secondly, my choice for the other Mars rover is the Epiphany.
Just in case you don't quite know what the meaning of Epiphany is to think
of sudden understanding. Because the rovers are search missions, I belive that
Epiphany oppitamizes all that the mission stands for. Since the beginning of
the space program, every single mission has been for a special purpose. This
one is for the purpose of gaining information about Mars, therefore, Epiphany
suits the mission just wonderfully.
In conclusion, I believe the Resilience and Epiphany are
terrific names for the Mars search missions. If I had the chance to see either
one of my names on a rover, what a sight it would be. I would definitely remember
it for a lifetime. After all, when you think of a NASA exploration mission,
you want the name to have significance. It should symbolize the words courage,
enlightenment, wonder, and most of all, importance. So, why not choose a name
that stands out among the rest. The Resilience and the Epiphany signify a true,
one of a kind meaning in which the rovers should be known for.
Kevin Hou of Alta Loma, CA Age: 14 Grade: 9
Suggested names: Eratosthenes and Thales
They provide a link to the ancient scientists and philosophers. Using these
names highlights the groundbreaking work done by these and other scientists
of the period. There are many other names that could also have been used but
I think these two are good choices Thales of Miletus (624-560 B.C.), Greek
astronomer, mathematician and philosopher. He learned astronomy from the Babylonians.
He predicted the solar eclipse of May 28, 585 B.C. He was interested in everything
and proposed scientific explanations for cosmological events. Previously these
were explained as the intervention of supernatural entities. This was the
beginning of Greek astronomy and scientific method. Eratosthenes of Cyrene
(276-200 B.C.), Greek astronomer and mathematician. He calculated the circumference
of the earth and obtained a figure close to the present measured size. He
also assigned the first lines of longitude on a map of the Earth. Developed
a system for calculating prime numbers known as “the sieve of Eratosthenes.
Math and astronomy are key elements of space science. These names also represent
a quest to acquire knowledge. So I think these names lend themselves to the
spirit of discovery and exploration that the space program represents. They
also might cause interest in the study of ancient times and the amazing achievements
in science and philosophy made so long ago.
Heather Ahrens of Virginia Beach, VA Age: 18 Grade: 12
Suggested names: Bellona and Eris
The two rovers should be named Bellona and Eris, because they are of Greek
and Roman, and are related to the god Mars. In Roman mythology, Bellona is
a warrior goddess, who would accompany him in combat, often driving his chariot.
She is identified as his sister, wife, and daughter. Eris is the Greek goddess
of discord, and was considered responsible for nonviolent forms of conflict,
such as political strife, personal contention, and rivalry. Even though she
was not responsible for deadly forms of conflict, she often followed her brother,
Aries (Mars) into battle. I believe these names are the best choice for the
rovers, because the goddesses they are named after are associated with Mars.
The moons of Mars, are Phobos and Deimos, which are his sons, so it makes
sense to name rovers also after gods or goddesses related to him. Also, the
names are attractive and easy to say, therefore they are a good choice for
rover names.
Cole Hart of Newnan, GA Age: 14 Grade: 8
Suggested names: Douglass and Garrison
The two names I picked for the space rovers are Douglas
and Garrison. The reason I picked the name Garrison is because he was a famous
white abolitionist who hated slavery. He had many significant achievements.
Some of his achievements are his speeches and his newspaper "The Liberator." Since
you named the last rover Sojourner who was a famous figure during the Civil
War, I think these two figures should also be remembered for their achievements.
The reason I picked the name Douglass was because he was
a famous black abolitionist who pushed for the freeing of the slaves. He was
one himself, but was freed. I have watched many movies on Fredrick Douglass.
He is a great man who is like William Lloyd Garrison in his speeches and in
his thinking. Fredrick Douglass also published a newspaper called the "North
Star." Unlike most abolitionists Douglass had felt the hardship of slavery
so he probably felt stronger about it than most.
These are just two of the many fine figures of the Civil
War, but I think that unlike Harriet Tubman or Harriet Beacher Stowe these
two aren't remembered enough for all there great doings. This is why I think
that Garrison and Douglas are the two best names for your space rovers.
Aiza Navarro Santos of Gardena, CA Age: 14 Grade: 8
Suggested names: Pytheas and Hudson
The name of both rovers should be unique. It should also
be a name that people will remember. The name of the rover should be "Pytheas" and "Hudson." It's
a very good name and easy to pronounce. Both names might be a little awkward,
but it's good to have something different. There can be many names for the
rover, but these two names will sound very good. Pytheas was a Greek explorer
who sailed from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean. Hudson
found waterways that were connected.
When he heard about a mysterious land called Thule, it was
near the city of the Norway. Also knowing that the North Star was not directly
above the North Pole. Pytheas loved to sail and explore, while living in Massalia.
He started when he slopped by a blockade set up by the Carthaginian navy at
Gibraltar in order to explore Europe. Although, not many Greeks like him because
they had some doubt of his honesty, but some people did believe him.{HRT]He
was the first eprson to complete the exploration by being careful doing his
work. Pytheas just wanted to be discover more by his special skills. He believed
that he can find some land or is there more land to be found. He had been in
a time with many other explorers too. So the first rover should be Pytheas.
Henry Hudson, the second rover, was an English explorer
and sea captain. Hudson was a grandson of Landon alderman who helped to find
the trading organization. Hudson was an explorer that found the quickest routes,
from England to the "island of spice". When Hudson went, he had
failed his first exploration by himself. He made four voyages in attempt
to discover another route. It was in behalf of the Dutch East India. Hudson
still couldn't find the passage, but he explored farther north than any previous
explorer.
Hudson finally succeeds and went into his final exploration.
Then he brought a new group to go with him called the Discovery. There they
reached a body of rough water witch was Hudson Strait, that led him to his
second discovery into Hudson Bay. With all of his exploration Hudson had explored
three waterways, the names are Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait
an they all somehow connected.
This two explorer had some difficult times in their exploration.
Although they have succeed, for sure they had learned something. Since our
technology has gotten better we can do almost anything and find anything. These
two people can also be hero because they had to learn form the hard ways and
rise up. So the name of the two rovers that will go to Mars should be "Pytheas" and "Hudson".
Ethan Burke of Lincoln City, OR Age: 14 Grade: 9
Suggested names: The Intrigue and The Inquirer
After much deliberation, I have decided that the following
two names are perfect for the Mars Rovers. The names I have chosen are, 1.
The Intrigue, and 2. The Inquirer, and I feel that they describe the Mars
mission quite well. Intrigue means to arouse the curiosity of. That is what
the rover will be trying to do: discover things on the surface of Mars that
arouse our curiousity and give us clues to whether there might be intelligent
life out there.
As for the second name, The Inquirer, I believe it describes
what the mission is all about: seeking information by asking questions, analyzing,
searching, and probing. In conclusion, I would like to say that I think these
names are perfect for the rovers going to explore the red planet in 2003.
Brent Powers of Richardson, TX Age: 14 Grade: 8
Suggested names: Xander and Beatrix
Two roving robots will soon travel to Mars. These robots
need very special, fitting names. I have chosen the names Xander and Beatrix
for these two helpful, traveling machines.
Xander comes from the Greek word Alexandros which means
helper and defender of mankind. I think this would be a great bane because
the rover that NASA is sending into space is a helper of mankind and NASA research.
It will be exploring terrain that man is not able to explore on his own.
The name Xander has a good sound to it so when children
are researching a rover that went to Mars, this name will appeal to them. They
will enjoy learning that the rover to Mars was named by one of their own.
Beatrix is a well-chosen name for the other rover to Mars
because it means voyager. A voyager is one who takes a long journey and these
two rovers are being sent into space for an important and exciting journey.
Beatrix, a robotic pioneer, will maneuver around craters,
scale mountains, and bear -180 degree weather so mankind can see what no one
has seen before. The pictures she will take will provide amazing images of
Mars.
Xander and Beatrix will roam across Mars and do as they
are told. They will investigate the terrain of Mars and in the end they will
come home to Earth. Their helpful voyage will bring man and machine together
to educate the young, learning minds of America and the world.
Andrea Bruna of Hanover, KS Age: 15 Grade: 9
Suggested names: Pike and Long
Zebulon Pike and Stephen Long were possibly the greatest explorers of all
time. They set out exploring the mysterious continent of North America, not
knowing what was out there and what they would find. Pike and Long were sent
to find information to establish a fort, as the rovers Pike and Long will
be sent to mars to find information about life on Mars. Eventually the role
of rovers will be to discover if human life could thrive in the regions, just
as Pike and Long needed to find an area where a militia could thrive. These
independent men were roaming across a new independent country. The rovers
Pike and Long are also independent rovers. Pike and Long were smart and cunning
men, and any explorer that wanted to survive had to be. Just like Pike and
Long, the rovers are smart and cunning, almost as if they have a mind of their
own. Trudging across rocks and being very observant is another one of the
rover's canny qualities. Pike and Long traveled far and wide to explore our
great nation, and couldn't let just one rock along the way stop them. According
to Webster's dictionary, precision is "The quality or state of being
precise; exact limitation; exactness; accuracy; strict conformity to a rule
or a standard; definiteness." Both the rovers and the explorers had to
be precise. Pike and Long couldn't have very many navigational errors or the
pattern of exploration would have made their travels inaccurate. The rovers
also must be very precise. Once landing they must fulfill their job, to be
the million dollar men, if you would say, and explore our universe very precisely.
After all, we wouldn't want to send any false information back to earth! Pike
and Long were the kind of explorers that traveled and stopped and then did
the routine all over again. They had to keep supplies with them at all times
and be fully prepared. They could never just leave important items at camp,
as the new duo of rovers will be equipped with their tools also. Pike and
Long were sent to explore the Mississippi River. The rovers also are going
to explore spots where water is, or may have been, and to record any signs
of life. The most apparent similarity between the rovers and the explorers
is that they both pave the way for more human kind. Both areas being explored
to notify the conditions to others, letting them know if they would want to
live on that land or not. Without the need to settle or undying curiosity,
neither the explorers nor the rovers would be necessary in our lives. What
a wonderful universe we have, and we need someone like Pike and Long to further
discover the wonders of our galaxy.
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