For centuries, the name of the famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan has adorned space objects, a tradition that has long stirred debate among scientists. In recent discussions, many in the astronomical community argue that continuing to honor a figure tied to colonial violence does not sit well with modern values, and they advocate for reexamining these attributions. This movement reflects a broader shift toward aligning scientific nomenclature with ethical perspectives and contemporary understandings of history.
The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two of the Milky Way’s most prominent satellite galaxies visible from the southern hemisphere, have long carried this contested legacy.
Some scholars and researchers contend that naming such celestial features after Magellan—an individual accused of enslaving Indigenous communities and orchestrating violence on his maiden voyage to circumnavigate the globe—ought to be reconsidered. They argue that the associations these names carry can normalize or overlook a brutal colonial past. Conservationists of culture and science alike have begun to push for names that do not celebrate acts of conquest and oppression, citing the harm these associations may cause to Indigenous communities and to public trust in science. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
“Magellan’s actions in Guam and in the Philippines involved violence against villages and their people,” noted a researcher speaking on the record. Such statements, echoed by other scholars, emphasize that the historical record of exploration is inseparable from its moral implications, and that renaming could help decouple scientific objects from painful legacies. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
Magellan led the Spanish expedition that first bridged the Pacific and opened access to Asia in 1519, a voyage that culminated with his death in 1521 during clashes with Indigenous peoples in what is now the Philippines. This historical context, while crucial for understanding the era, is also part of the conversation about how best to recognize astronomical discoveries in a modern, diverse world. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
In a paper published by APS Physics, researchers called on the International Astronomical Union, the body responsible for naming celestial objects, to rename the Magellanic Clouds. The argument centers on the idea that astronomical naming should avoid honoring figures associated with brutal colonial histories, and instead reflect inclusive and culturally respectful naming practices. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
Professor David Hogg of New York University added that the core issue is not just the history of the explorers, but the way indigenous peoples named the skies long before Europeans arrived. He emphasizes that the clouds were known to southern hemisphere communities by their own names, which predate Magellan by centuries. In many cases, those Indigenous names disappeared or were marginalized after later scientific naming conventions took hold. The suggestion is to honor that indigenous linguistic heritage rather than continuing to carry a colonial name. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
“Promoting names linked to harmful legacies risks alienating communities who have endured historical injustices,” Reyes argued, highlighting the social dimension of naming science and the responsibility researchers bear to foster inclusion. The conversation is part of a broader examination in Canada and the United States about how science communicates with Indigenous and local communities and how it honors shared history while advancing discovery. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
At present, there is no consensus on what names should replace Magellanic Clouds. Among the proposals in play are “Milky Clouds” and other options that aim to preserve the scientific identity while acknowledging cultural sensitivity. The process would involve extensive consultation and a careful weighing of historical context, scientific clarity, and public sentiment across diverse communities. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
Beyond the Clouds, other widely known astronomical references have sparked similar debates. For example, the Strait of Magellan—named after the explorer—has also drawn scrutiny for its association with colonial-era expeditions. Debates over such geographic names highlight a global conversation about how science honors or revises historical figures while maintaining rigorous, clear communication. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
As geneticists and historians alike continue to illuminate long-hidden chapters of the past, the astronomy community recognizes the value of thoughtful, inclusive naming practices. Some researchers argue for a model in which celestial features bear names rooted in Indigenous languages, local geography, or descriptive astronomical features rather than individual biographical ties. This approach could help ensure that the science communicated to the public remains accurate, accessible, and respectful to the communities connected to the stars. (Source attribution: APS Physics)
In summary, the discussion around renaming the Magellanic Clouds and related celestial terms reflects a broader commitment within the scientific community to ethical naming practices. It invites meaningful dialogue among astronomers, Indigenous communities, educators, and the public about how space science presents itself in a diverse, inclusive world. The outcome remains uncertain, but the ongoing conversations signal an evolving standard for the language of science that aligns with contemporary values and shared human dignity. (Source attribution: APS Physics)