Invent name to star

More than 300 planets and stars are waiting for new names.

14.Jul.14 10:37 AM
By Ube Salorainen
Photo bethers.ucoz.ru

704

Astronomers have decided to depart from the boring names of stars and planets, which usually consist of symbols and numbers and give people the opportunity to participate in the contest for the right to give the name to a planet or a star. The International Astronomical Union has offered this idea. Furthermore, it is believed that this measure will make science more popular. The contest will start in September 2014. Only exoplanets discovered until December 31, 2008 will get new names. For participation in the contest representatives of astronomical clubs and commercial organizations have to be registered on the special portal of the International Astronomical Union. A month after there will be a list of 10-20 exoplanets, which users would like to give names to. In December the participants will be able to submit names for exoplanets and stars, explaining why they have chosen such a name. Competition winners will be declared in July, 2015. It is mentioned that the winning name will not be able to replace the existing scientific name, they will be published only as public appellations.

Back to the list