Pinoys given the chance to name an exoplanet, star

Filipinos are now are given the chance to name two celestial bodies hundreds of light years away from the Solar System, as part of the 100th anniversary of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The IAU is the only scientific organization mandated to name everything in space.

According to a report by Mav Gonzales in GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Thursday, the IAU is scouting for names that are suited for planet Wasp 34-b and its parent star Wasp 34.

The constellation where they belong is located between the orbits of Mercury and Venus.

Proposed names for the two celestial objects shall be four to 16 characters in length. The IAU also encourages the use of terms indigenous to the Philippines.

Deadline of sending proposals is on September 15, 2019. Further details and rules on submission of entries may be accessed at the website of IAU Name Exoworld-Philippines.

http://nameexoworldphilippines.com/

The planets will be officially named in December and a telescope courtesy of PAGASA will be given to the winner.

The IAU also gave other countries the chance to name the respective exoplanets and host stars assigned to them. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News