Posted on 08/16/2013 10:55:42 AM PDT by LibWhacker
For decades, the names given to newly discovered planets have almost always failed to live up to the excitement these celestial finds represent. (Take for example forgettable monikers such as CFBDSIR2149, HD 189733b, 55 Cancri e, and Kepler-69c.) The organization that oversee's the naming of new planets, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), knows that these titles are the opposite of cool and catchy. And thankfully, something is being done about it — the IAU is moving away from leaving selective working groups to name planets and opening up the process to the public.
Unsurprisingly, there are a few rules that the IAU imposed this week on the new process. Proposed names must be 16 characters or less, and preferably one word. The Paris-based No pet names, no business names
group asks that names are pronounceable in as many languages as possible, and not offensive in any language or culture. The group also says that submissions should be "not too similar to an existing name of an astronomical object," such as another planet, or named dwarf planets, stars, and solar systems. Using a pet name or a name that is "purely or principally commercial in nature" is also forbidden, the IAU says.
So how do you actually suggest a name? The IAU has set up an email address for that: iaupublic@iap.fr. Submissions will "be handled on a case-by-case basis, with advice given on the best way to proceed," the organization says. And, in case you're wondering, it's the IAU who will be sifting through public input and selecting the best names. The group also reserves the right to open things up to a public vote, as it did in July in the christening of Pluto's fourth and fifth moons, Kerberos and Styx. Among the names the IAU shot down: Vulcan.
Is it only “new” planets and astrial bodies, or can they be renamed?
I know some libs that want to dub 0bamaland...
Palin
Cool, catchy, easy to pronounce.
Only new ones, I think. But we don’t need the IAU to rename America!
The IAU is self-appointed. I can name celestial objects any name I like, and if I get enough others to agree, then that’s what it will be called.
I want a star called Libtardia.
Planet Floppy.
Named for a dog puppet from WHO TV in Des Moines long ago...
A small planet permanently eclipsed by it's huge moon.
How about Koranisevil ?
It's less than 16 characters...
.
.
Lazamataz !
Fatasshian ?
So, according to the rules, I can name a planet “Larry.” Cool.
I recall discussing the proposed homeworld of the rabid Left- "Pittskull"
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