A Public Poll Goes Viral
In 2016, the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) launched an online poll to name a new £200 million polar research vessel. The public could submit and vote on names, and the internet embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
The Birth of Boaty McBoatface
One of the most popular suggestions was “Boaty McBoatface,” submitted as a joke by a former BBC radio host. To everyone’s surprise, it quickly became the frontrunner, receiving over 124,000 votes, far outpacing more traditional suggestions.
NERC’s Final Decision
Despite the overwhelming support for Boaty McBoatface, NERC decided to name the vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough after the famous broadcaster and naturalist. However, to honor the public’s input, they gave the name Boaty McBoatface to a smaller, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that would accompany the main ship on scientific missions.
Boaty’s Scientific Success
Since being deployed, Boaty McBoatface has contributed to important research, including missions to the Antarctic to study climate change and deep-sea currents. Despite its humorous origins, Boaty has become an integral part of important scientific exploration.
Boaty McBoatface: The Internet’s Unexpected Triumph ⛴️
A Public Poll Goes Viral
In 2016, the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) launched an online poll to name a new £200 million polar research vessel. The public could submit and vote on names, and the internet… pic.twitter.com/PhoVtpwBJ4— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 1, 2024