Name Exoplanets: IAU Plans to Name 305 Exoplanets

In summary, the IAU has announced plans to name 305 exoplanets through suggestions from organizations and a public vote on nameexoworlds.org. While it may be challenging to keep up with the naming of thousands of exoplanets, the process is restricted to registered organizations and not individuals. The idea of naming a planet after Elvis has been suggested by a family member and individuals can check with their astronomy clubs or other organizations to see if they can register and propose a name.
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The IAU plans to name 305 exoplanets. Currently, organizations can make suggestions, in 2015 the public can vote on those suggestions.

This is organized on nameexoworlds.org (IAU press release)

While a proper name is certainly nicer than "HD 121504 b", it won't be an easy task to keep up with naming exoplanets, especially with the thousands of exoplanets the next generation of telescopes should find.
I'm curious what the astronomers will come up with.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
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A few thousand doesn't seem too bad...not like the number of galaxies we can see, or the number of stars lol.
 
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A member of our family advises me that one of the planets be called Elvis.

Individuals cannot propose names, only organizations like astronomy clubs and non-profit institutions engaged in astronomy. Organizations wishing to nominate must register with the IAU at the website linked above.
Would anyone here who belongs to an astronomy club or other suitable organization be willing to see if their club can register and propose the naming of a Planet Elvis?
 

1. What are exoplanets?

Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than our sun. They are also known as extrasolar planets.

2. How many exoplanets have been discovered?

As of August 2021, there have been over 4,400 confirmed exoplanets. However, there are thousands more potential exoplanets that still need to be confirmed.

3. Why is the IAU naming exoplanets?

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is responsible for naming celestial objects and their features. As more and more exoplanets are discovered, it is important to have a standardized naming system in place.

4. What is the process for naming exoplanets?

The IAU has a specific set of guidelines for naming exoplanets. They must be named after their host star, followed by a lowercase letter starting with "b" for the first planet discovered, "c" for the second, and so on. If the exoplanet has a confirmed name, it may also be included in the official name.

5. Can anyone suggest a name for an exoplanet?

Yes, the IAU allows anyone to submit a proposed name for an exoplanet. However, they must follow the guidelines and the proposed name will be subject to approval by the IAU Working Group on Star Names.

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