For a country that’s arguably at the centre of the known Universe, Malta gets surprisingly few opportunities to influence events on a cosmic scale.
Sure, we’ve helped to shape history a couple of times down here on Earth. But when it comes to leaving our mark beyond the planet’s atmosphere, we’re serial underachievers.
Until now, that is.
As part of an initiative by international astronomers, Malta has been given the chance to name a far-away exoplanet.
Given that the planet is a gas giant, it would be tempting to name it ‘Bassa’. But we must show the world that there’s more to our great nation than childish toilet humour. With this in mind, there can only be one choice.
That choice is ‘Dnegel’.
When the name first came to the public’s attention six months ago, we all stopped bickering with each other to marvel at its magnificence. Not since the second world war has the nation been more united. For one brief moment, there were no Nationalists or Labourites, liberals or conservatives, irkotta or piżelli. We were simply Maltese.
If only we could recapture this esprit de corps whenever we wanted to, simply by looking up to the heavens on a starry night.
Now, we can.
As Malta’s most respected news website, we are putting our full weight behind Planet Dnegel. However, as influential as we are, we only have one vote, so we need your help to make it become reality.
Simply visit the Astronomical Society of Malta’s website, scroll down to the form at the bottom and enter ‘Dnegel’ as your choice. You’ll also need to write a few words explaining your choice. We think ‘Because I do whatever Bis-Serjetà tells me to’ is a perfectly good reason, but feel free to come up with your own.
Together, we can – and will – make Planet Dnegel happen.
