You must have seen people buy each other a star in some movies or TV series. Moreover, in some series and movies, they also give names to those stars and some special names. What would you do if we told you that you have a chance like this now?
The International Astronomical Union has announced a new competition called NameExoWorlds 2022. With this competition, you can name one of the 20 new planets discovered by the James Webb space telescope. How Does? Let’s explain.
You too can name a planet
If you’ve ever paid attention to any star, planet, or anything astronomers have discovered, you’ll probably notice that many of them have more than one name because planets have an astronomical name and a confirmed name. These names help distinguish between the different systems and planets we have discovered, and often planets are named after their stars.
Of course, you have to fulfill a few conditions in order to participate in the contest, which will end on November 11, 2022. To name a planet, let’s take a look at the terms people listed in the International Astronomical Union’s press release for the event.
What do you need to do to name a planet?
- Assemble a team that brings together students and teachers, astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and professional astronomers.
- Organize an astronomy event on ExoWorld planets.
- Choose a planet from 20 ExoWorld in the list.
- Suggest a name for the exoplanet and host star in your language and explain its cultural context.
- Register your team and send your naming proposal in written format + video via this form.
What would you like to name the planet when you meet these conditions? Please do not forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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