Named after the messenger of the gods, especially Juno {see planet  (3)}, daughter of Thaumas and Electra {see planet  (130)}, sister of the Harpies. Synonym with the term rainbow. W. Bishop (Astronomical Observations, 1839–1851) stated: “The name of Iris, an attendant upon Juno, appeared peculiarly appropriate under the circumstances of the discovery. Juno was then in the 18th hour of right ascension and Iris closely followed in the 19th.” The planet was discovered at Mr. Bishop’s private observatory. The rainbow Open image in new window _ _.