Petition to NASA: Let the Black Hole Son Rise Again With Chris Cornell Dedication

Photo: Handout (Getty Images)  

Now that the first-ever black hole photo was taken by Katie Bouman, this awe-spiring moment for mankind has become a sign for music fans. Circulating alongside the fiery ball is a petition to Change.org that proposes naming the black hole (whose given name is Powehi) after the late, great Sound Garden singer, Chris Cornell.

The God of Grunge, who died of an apparent suicide in May 2017, was a beloved artist who played in supergroups like Audioslave and Temple of the Dog but was best known as the frontman for “Black Hole Sun,” Sound Garden’s definitive biggest ’90s hit and a haunting power ballad that put the Seattle group on the music map.

The Change.org petition’s creator Giuliana Jarrin made her case: “I ask NASA, the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, and all the astronomers and scientists involved in this discovery to name this black hole after Chris Cornell. This would be a surreal and an amazing way to honor his life and his contribution to music.”

The scientists have not yet responded, but the petition does have 40 thousand signatures thus far. If you want to add your name to it, do so here. Since we’re getting all nostalgic, here’s a look back at Cornell’s life through GIFs. Enjoy.

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