Ever 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 unusual images of space (or anywhere, for that matter) ever taken.
big And the Energy space telescope He’s also been busy observing new exoplanet systems – and now, International Union of Astronomers (IAU) He would like to get some help from the public 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 of 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 uniform conventions for their naming (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 regarding names, you need to band together or join an already existing one. And not just any team: a “consisting of students, educators, astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astronomers and exoplanet scientists,” according to the International Astronomical Union. butThe number of people who can participate is unlimited Team.
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Once you’ve assembled (or joined) your dream team, it’s time to get down to business. There is a joint Instructions for use And the Grammatik 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
- Conduct 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 proposal (written + video format) About this form
good pressure
You can send the difference An 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.
