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 into space in December 2021, we’ve been treated to some of the most bizarre images of space (or anywhere, for that matter) ever. .

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 audience by 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 standard conventions for naming them (among other things) – which explains why they own celestial bodies. ExoWorlds 2022 اسم name A competition to name 20 extrasolar planetary systems.

How to enter the NameExoWorlds 2022 contest

This is a group project. So before you start thinking about names, you have to band it together or join one that already exists. And not just any team: “comprised of students, teachers, astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and exoplanet scientists,” according to the International Astronomical Union. butThe number of people who can participate is unlimited Team.

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

• Choose a system 20 ExoWorlds in the list
• Hold an awareness event on astronomy related to exoplanets
• Suggest a name for an exoplanet and its host star in your language and explain the cultural context
• Register your team and submit your name suggestion (written + video format) About this model

good pressure

You can send the difference 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. They will then be reviewed and judged and the winners will be announced on March 20, 2023.