Charli XCX shares petition to rename TOI-1338 b planet after SOPHIE

03 February 2021, 17:41 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Charli XCX) (SOPHIE)

Charli XCX has shared a petition that is asking NASA to rename the planet TOI-1338 b after SOPHIE.

News of SOPHIE's death was confirmed last Saturday (30 January). In a statement posted to socials, SOPHIE's family wrote, "Tragically our beautiful SOPHIE passed away this morning after a terrible accident. True to her spirituality she had climbed up to watch the full moon and accidentally slipped and fell. She will always be here with us. The family thank everyone for their love and support and request privacy at this devastating time."

Following SOPHIE's passing, a fan called Christian Arroyo has set up a petition asking NASA to rename the planet TOI-1338 b after SOPHIE. Arroyo wrote, "SOPHIE was a highly influential singer, songwriter, and producer who was an source of great inspiration to the LGBTQIA+ community. Her messages, actions, and music left a lasting impression on many LGBTQIA+ individuals. She always pushed a message of individuality and expressing your true self that resonated throughout everything she did."

The petition description continues, "SOPHIE released an album in 2018, titled Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides. On the cover art for the album, SOPHIE sits surounded by water in an ethereal setting. Recently revealed images TOI-1338 b, a planet discovered in the Summer of 2019 by Wolf Cukier, bear a resemblance to the setting pictured on the cover to Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides."

Arroyo adds, "I am requesting that TOI-1338 b be named in honor of SOPHIE, in honor of a great LGBT+ influence. I want her name to be remembered and her influence to continue to flourish for many years to come."

Charli XCX, who paid tribute to her late friend and collaborator on socials yesterday (2 February), shared the petition on Twitter this afternoon (3 February) writing, "please sign and share for Sophie."