Did you know that you can name a planet?

Since NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency launched the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021, we’ve been treated to some of the most unusual images of space (or anywhere, really) ever taken.

big And the Energy space telescope He was also busy observing new exoplanet systems – and now, International Union of Astronomers (IAU) He would like to get some help from the public naming 20 of them. That’s right: this is your chance to name a planet. Here’s what you need to know.

How to name a planet

First, some clarifications. An “exoplanet” is a planet outside our solar system. The “exoplanet system” is An exoplanet and its host star.

And since 1919, the International Astronomical Union has been tasked with cataloging celestial bodies and creating consistent conventions for naming them (among other things) – which explains why they have celestial bodies. Name ExoWorlds 2022 A competition to name 20 extrasolar planetary systems.

How to enter the NameExoWorlds 2022 contest

This is a team project, so before you start thinking about names, you will have to team up together, or join one that already exists. And not just any team: one “comprised of students, teachers, astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and exoplanet scientists,” according to the International Astronomical Union. butThere is no limit to the number of people who can join Team.

Once you’ve gathered (or joined) your dream team, it’s time to get down to business. There is a joint instructions And the Grammar You can read on for all the details, but here’s a basic overview of what your team will need to do:

• Choose a system from 20 ExoWorlds in the list
• Conduct an astronomy awareness event related to exoplanets
• Suggest a name for an exoplanet and its host star in your language, and give an explanation of the cultural context
• Register your team and submit your naming proposal (written + video format) Via this form

good print

You may send the difference One entry – means a pair of names: one for an exoplanet and one for the host star. All proposals must be submitted by November 11, 2022. After that, they will be examined and judged, and the winners will be announced on March 20, 2023.