Did you know you can name planets?

Since NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency launched the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021, we’ve been dealing with some of the most amazing images of the universe (or anywhere, really) ever taken. I was.

big When power space telescope I have also been busy observing new exoplanet systems. International Union of Astronomers (IAU) Publish the names of 20 of them. That’s right, it’s your chance to name a planet. Here’s what you should know:

how to name planets

First, some explanation. An “exoplanet” is a planet outside the solar system. “exoplanetary system” Exoplanets and their host stars.

And since 1919, the IAU has been tasked with cataloging celestial bodies and (among other things) establishing consistent rules for naming them. NameExoWorlds 2022 Compete for the name of 20 exoplanet systems.

How to Enter the NameExoWorlds 2022 Contest

Since this is a group project, you’ll need to form a team or join an existing team before you even start thinking about names. According to the IAU, the team is “made up of students and teachers, astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and exoplanet scientists.” but,There is no limit to the number of people who can participate team.

Once you’ve formed (or joined) your dream team, it’s time to get to work.there are details instructions When rule You can read all the details, but here’s a basic overview of what your team should do:

• Select a system from 20 Exo Worlds To list
• Implementation of astronomical outreach events on exoplanets
• Suggest the name of the exoplanet and its star in your language and explain the cultural background
• Register your team and submit your naming proposal (paper form + video) from this form

fine print

teams can submit One entry – meaning a name pair. One for the exoplanet and one for the main star. All proposals must be submitted by November 11, 2022. Judging and judging will then take place and the winners will be announced on March 20, 2023.