Top Document: [sci.astro] Solar System (Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions) (5/9) Previous Document: E.07 Could the Sun explode? Next Document: E.09 Where can I find pictures and planetary data? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge Gareth Williams <gwilliams@cfa.harvard.edu> Comets are named for their discoverers, up to three names per comet. Minor planets are named by the Small Bodies Names Committee of the International Astronomical Union Commission 20. Discoverers of minor planets may propose names to the SBNC and minor planets have been named to honor all sorts of famous (and some not so famous) people and animals in all walks of life. Planetary satellites are named by the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature of the IAU, in consultation with the SBNC (mainly to avoid conflicts of names), and they *usually* defer to the discoverer's wishes. Names of satellites are usually taken from Greek mythology or classical literature. Features on Solar System bodies are named by the same commission, generally following a specific theme for each body. For instance, most features on Venus are named in honor of famous women, and volcanos on Io are named for gods and goddesses of fire. For additional discussion, see <URL:http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/billa/tnp/names.html>. The IAU Planetary System Nomenclature Working Group's Web site, <URL:http://wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/nomen/nomen.html>, has an extensive discussion, as well as lists of names. User Contributions:Top Document: [sci.astro] Solar System (Astronomy Frequently Asked Questions) (5/9) Previous Document: E.07 Could the Sun explode? Next Document: E.09 Where can I find pictures and planetary data? Part0 - Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Part6 - Part7 - Part8 - Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: jlazio@patriot.net
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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