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| Tajikistan names 'planet' after... Tajikistan | Tajikistan names 'planet' after... Tajikistan |
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| Tajikistan’s state news agency Khovar has reported that a planet has been named after the country, in recognition of contributions made by its scientists to astrophysics and space studies. | Tajikistan’s state news agency Khovar has reported that a planet has been named after the country, in recognition of contributions made by its scientists to astrophysics and space studies. |
| At a ceremonial meeting to mark the Day of Knowledge, it was announced that “one of the small planets of the solar system” had been named “Tajikistan”. | |
| The honour was bestowed by an organisation called the International Astrophysicists Union, and a certificate confirming the naming of the planet was handed to President Emomali Rahmon by the head of the Academy of Sciences, Farhod Rahimi. | The honour was bestowed by an organisation called the International Astrophysicists Union, and a certificate confirming the naming of the planet was handed to President Emomali Rahmon by the head of the Academy of Sciences, Farhod Rahimi. |
| The two Tajikistans are currently at peak proximity in the solar system | The two Tajikistans are currently at peak proximity in the solar system |
| During the ceremony it was said that “Tajikistan” is located between Mars and Jupiter, more than 140m miles from Earth, and approximately 230m miles from the Sun. The planet apparently revolves around the Sun once every five years, which is equivalent to the term of the country’s parliament. | During the ceremony it was said that “Tajikistan” is located between Mars and Jupiter, more than 140m miles from Earth, and approximately 230m miles from the Sun. The planet apparently revolves around the Sun once every five years, which is equivalent to the term of the country’s parliament. |
| The two Tajikistans are currently at peak proximity in the solar system, Khovar reported, adding that scientists in the country are currently “studying its physical and chemical composition, as well as the processes taking place on this planet”. | The two Tajikistans are currently at peak proximity in the solar system, Khovar reported, adding that scientists in the country are currently “studying its physical and chemical composition, as well as the processes taking place on this planet”. |
| However, an online search for the organisation that allegedly named the planet, the International Astrophysicists Union, yields no results. While a similarly named organisation, the International Astronomical Union, has an online presence, its website does not mention the planet Tajikistan. | However, an online search for the organisation that allegedly named the planet, the International Astrophysicists Union, yields no results. While a similarly named organisation, the International Astronomical Union, has an online presence, its website does not mention the planet Tajikistan. |
| There is no indication that any other international science bodies will recognise the new name. | There is no indication that any other international science bodies will recognise the new name. |
| Although there are some so-called dwarf planets situated between Mars and Jupiter, they have all already been named. | Although there are some so-called dwarf planets situated between Mars and Jupiter, they have all already been named. |
| The uncertainty regarding the awarding body has aroused suspicions that the planet Tajikistan may be an invention to boost national pride. | The uncertainty regarding the awarding body has aroused suspicions that the planet Tajikistan may be an invention to boost national pride. |
| Similar PR projects initiated by the president include what was briefly the world’s tallest flagpole, completed in 2011, central Asia’s largest library, its biggest museum and the regions largest teahouse, completed last year. | Similar PR projects initiated by the president include what was briefly the world’s tallest flagpole, completed in 2011, central Asia’s largest library, its biggest museum and the regions largest teahouse, completed last year. |
| Related: Post-soviet world: what you need to know about Tajikistan | Related: Post-soviet world: what you need to know about Tajikistan |
| In 2011, an organisation called the European Council on International Relations reportedly awarded President Rahmon with the title of “Leader of the 21st Century”, given for his tireless effort in “combating corruption and promoting respect for human dignity, clean governance and free media and supporting the construction of the edifice of democracy in Tajikistan”. The government has been widely condemned by rights groups for cracking down on freedom of speech. | In 2011, an organisation called the European Council on International Relations reportedly awarded President Rahmon with the title of “Leader of the 21st Century”, given for his tireless effort in “combating corruption and promoting respect for human dignity, clean governance and free media and supporting the construction of the edifice of democracy in Tajikistan”. The government has been widely condemned by rights groups for cracking down on freedom of speech. |
| A version of this article first appeared on The Calvert Journal, a guide to the new east | A version of this article first appeared on The Calvert Journal, a guide to the new east |