Enter the NameExoWorlds competition, which opened on Tuesday and runs until October 31st.
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The NameExoWorlds contest provides not only the first opportunity for the public to name exoplanets, but also – for the first time in centuries – to give names to stars.
Astronomy clubs and non-profit organizations from 45 countries submitted 247 proposals for the names of the 20 ExoWorlds.
Only one vote can be casted by each computer, smartphone or tablet for each of the 20 exoplanetary systems, IAU representatives said.
Naming a planet used to be an honour reserved for the astronomer who discovered it, but these days, we’re finding too many to keep up. Scientists picked the top 20 systems, and put together a list of name proposals. No registration and no fee are required for the voting on the NameExoWorlds website. Some are simple names with simple explanations while others are complex, have lengthy explanations for them. For example, for the star Pollux (beta Geminorum), the exoplanet Pollux-b is up for naming. “But all versions have Leda as their mother, so it is fitting that the celestial version of Pollux is accompanied by his attractive mother Leda in an everlasting celestial orbit”. You can also name stars through the voting process.
It’s a really interesting project since it let people around the world manifest their knowledge and creativity to participate in such exclusive selection. The vote will decide the names for the selected stars and exoplanets.
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But it will have to see off the rival names suggested for the planet which include Kuromame, Luyanta, Svadilfare, La, Caroline, Murasaki and Iris. The results will be announced in mid-November.
