Name Exoplanets: IAU Plans to Name 305 Exoplanets

AI Thread Summary
The IAU is set to name 305 exoplanets, with organizations allowed to suggest names, while the public can vote on these suggestions starting in 2015. The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide proper names for exoplanets, moving away from designations like "HD 121504 b." However, the challenge of naming exoplanets will grow as future telescopes are expected to discover thousands more. Only registered organizations, such as astronomy clubs and non-profits, can propose names, prompting interest in naming one of the planets "Elvis." This collaborative effort highlights the importance of community involvement in astronomical naming conventions.
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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
A few thousand doesn't seem too bad...not like the number of galaxies we can see, or the number of stars lol.
 
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?
 
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