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This file image provided by NASA on Feb. 22, 2006 from the Hubble Space Telescope shows Pluto and three of its five moons. (AP Photo/NASA, File)

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Contest seeks underworldly names for 2 Pluto moons

They're no more than 15 to 20 miles across

Updated: Monday, 11 Feb 2013, 2:20 PM CST
Published : Monday, 11 Feb 2013, 11:26 AM CST

MARCIA DUNN,AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Want to name Pluto's two tiniest moons? Then you'll need to dig deep into mythology.

Astronomers announced a contest Monday to name the two itty-bitty moons of Pluto discovered over the past two years.

Three Pluto moons already have names associated with Hades and the underworld. They are Charon, the ferryman of Hades; Nix for the night goddess; and the multi-headed monster Hydra.

The two unnamed moons need similarly shady references. Right now, they go by the bland titles of P4 and P5. They're no more than 15 to 20 miles across.

Online voting will last two weeks. Twelve choices are available at the website "plutorocks." Choices include the hero who slew Hydra, Hercules; and Styx, the river to the underworld. Write-in suggestions are welcomed.

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Online:

http://www.plutorocks.com/