Are you an astronomer, professional or amateur? Do you like learning about space? This might be just for you. The International Astronomers Union (IAU) is having a “contest.” The IAU has been observing new exoplanetary systems. They are now having a “contest” to name twenty of the exoplanetary systems.
Definitions
A planet is [1]a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system. An exoplanetary system is an exoplanet and its host star.
Get a Team
The IAU wants individuals to put together a team of students, teachers, amateur astronomers, astronomy enthusiasts, and exoplanetary scientists. You can create one yourself or you can find one to join.
Naming
Some guidelines to follow with naming the exoplanet and its star is as follows:
- Names should be of things, people, or places of long-standing cultural, historical or geographical significance. [2]
- Names can be related to space and astronomy.
- The name of the exoplanet and start should be related and have a common theme.
Presentation
Each team is to prepare an outreach event which includes an event aimed to inform the public about exoplanets and their discovery and significance. The event can be an hands-on event, public lecture, or online interactions.
Submitting
The teams will have to submit a written format and video format of their name proposal. The video should be no longer than three minutes and the essay should be no longer than three hundred words. [3] You should also include the significance behind the name and why you choose it. After that is completed, you can submit it using this form.
End Date
Entries must be submitted by November 11, 2022. The results will be released in March of 2023. [4]
Judging
After the “contest” ends, a board of IAU people of each country submitted, will choose the top candidates. After that it will go to another board and be compared to the rest of the entries.
Notes:
- ^https://lifehacker.com/did-you-know-you-could-name-a-planet-1849409658 (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/2022naming-rules (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/2022edition (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.nameexoworlds.iau.org/2022faqs (go back ↩)
