There are hundreds of objects in space. Who decides what
they are called?
Planets and moons
in our solar system
Planets and moons in our solar system are all named after Roman
and Greek Gods except Earth. For example, Jupiter is the
name for the King of the Gods in Roman mythology. A good choice for
the largest planet in our solar system!
The word 'Earth' comes from a mixture of Old English and
Germanic words meaning ground or soil.
Mars - named after the Roman god
of war
Comets
Comets are named after the person who discovered them. For
example, Halley's comet is named after the astronomer Edmond
Halley, who worked out its orbit. Now discoverers are more likely
to be solar-observing satellites or automated observatories.
Comet Siding Spring, discovered
by the Siding Spring observatory in Australia
Asteroids
When an asteroid is discovered, it is given a number, such as
2002 AT4. The first bit is the year it was discovered and the
second bit is a code showing the month it was discovered. Once an
asteroid's orbit is confirmed it is given a number and sometimes a
name chosen by the discover. A name is so much more exciting than a
number!
Eros 433, the first
near-Earth asteroid discovered, named after the Greek god of
love
The International Astronomical Union
(IAU)
The IAU are in charge of naming all the objects in space. When
an someone discovers an object they can submit a suggestion to the
IAU. The IAU either approves it or suggests a different name.
The IAU says:
- Names that are political or military are only allowed 100 years
after the event has occured or the person has died.
- Names of pet animals are discouraged. Fluffy Bunnykins would be
a funny name for an asteroid!
- Commercial and brand names are not allowed.