The universe is infinite. there are always new discoveries of planets, asteroids and other celestial bodies which should be given a name. Some have been called (8275) Inca, Cusco, Santa María de Colón, Serpiente, TRAPPIST-1d, PSR B1620-26 b, Kepler-186f… Who is in charge of such a task?
Advances in science and technology have recently made it possible to detect more celestial objects, including exoplanets, planets that orbit other stars. The first exoplanets were discovered just three decades ago and more than 5,000 have been identified since then. Naming them, without a doubt, is a marathon task, to whom has it been entrusted?
WHO NAMES THE PLANETS AND CELESTIAL BODIES IN OUTER SPACE?
The International Astronomical Union (UAI). Since 1919 it is the institution in charge of registering all the planets, moons, asteroids, exoplanets, etc. that are discovered and, in addition, uses a rigorous system of nomenclature depending on the type of celestial body. To do this, he has resorted to all kinds of encyclopedias and religions, even his public contests are becoming popular. This 2022, has launched a contest to name 20 exoplanetary systems that the James Webb telescope (JWST) will observe.
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION?
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is responsible for studying the objects of space and analyze their characteristics to classify them into categories. In 2016, they decided to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet.
Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU brings together more than 12,000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries around the world.