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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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After 13 Years, New Element Gets Name: Copernicum

Physicists dedicate element 112 to the father of the heliocentric solar system

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(Newser) – The scientists who discovered the newest element want to name it “Copernicum” to honor Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who proposed the heliocentric theory of the solar system, the BBC reports. Element 112 was discovered in fusion experiments 13 years ago and added to the periodic table a few weeks ago.

“The idea was to go backwards, to honor someone who was not greatly honored in his lifetime," researcher Sigurd Hoffman told Popular Science. Barring any unforeseen objections, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry will endorse the name after a 6-month discussion period.

The painting,
The painting, "Astronomer Copernicus : Conversation with God" by Jan Matejko (1872) is seen in this undated file photo.   (Wikimedia Commons)
An illustration of Nicolaus Copernicus.
An illustration of Nicolaus Copernicus.   (Wikimedia Commons)
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3 comments
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Deebles
Jul 16, 09 3:15 PM CDT
Poor Earth. It'll be halfway through its trip before these guys can agree to honor the guy who noticed the trip. Reply
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paul123
Jul 16, 09 4:46 PM CDT
neat. Reply
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RossOverThere
Jul 17, 09 2:55 AM CDT
PopSci spelled it wrong in their headline, and it's wrong here. Element 112 (Cp) is to be named "Copernicium", not "Copernicum". Reply
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