4.6: Naming Astronomical Objects
- Page ID
- 128531
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Now having read through several chapters of this text, have you ever wondered how all of the names in Astronomy came up? Or, what the process is like for naming new astronomical objects?
(somewhere around here mention that every culture already has its own names for celestial objects? at least the ones you can see naked eye)
It turns out, there are multiple answers to this seemingly simple question. This section will explore two different perspectives on naming astronomical objects, and the possible utility of each.
Starting with the most widely recognized naming convention, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) is responsible for creating and maintaining globally recognized names of astronomical objects and surface features.
The IAU also has other responsibilities, such as defining astronomical and physical constants, naming surface features, archiving previous names and conventions, along with numerous other related tasks. Originally formed in 1919, the IAU states their mission as an organization to, "promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation" (IAU, About the IAU, n.d.). For example, this agency also was the first to propose the 88 official constellation boundaries in 1922 (IAU, The Constellations, n.d.). In 1982, the IAU was recognized by the United Nations (UN) in its authority of naming conventions as it relates to those countries within the UN (United Nations Statistics Division, 1983). In terms of naming astronomical objects, they have several information pages dedicated to the process, depending on the type of object in question.
Their most general page on Naming of Astronomical Objects lists general processes for Solar System objects, and links other pages that lay out how extra solar objects are named. According to the IAU, the exact spelling and pronunciation of astronomical objects is generally the responsibility of individual nations or groups of nations. However, they do recommend that the English spelling of names should follow the IAU Style Manual, especially for capitalization of astronomical objects (e.g., Earth, Sun, Moon, etc.).
Working Groups manage naming for planets, moons, surface features, and minor bodies.
Discoverers submit proposals, which are reviewed and added to the IAU’s official Gazetteer.
Names must be concise, pronounceable, distinct, non-offensive, and often thematic—especially for planetary features and satellites.
Table for object naming conventions? You can make one in excel or something and I will make the table, or copy and paste a table in from somewhere else. make sure it has a table caption and a header row or column.
Minor Planets & Comets After enumeration (by the Minor Planet Center), discoverers can propose names (under 16 characters, non-duplicative).
Certain restrictions (e.g., 100-year posthumous waiting period for political figures) ensure appropriateness.
Stars often retain historical names (e.g., Vega, Sirius) or alphanumeric designations.
New proper names are accepted through the IAU’s Working Group on Star Names (WGSN).
Exoplanets receive catalogue-based designations (e.g., HD 209458 b), though public naming campaigns like NameExoWorlds allow for informal names later formally adopted.
Commercial Naming is Invalid The IAU does not recognize commercial name-selling services (e.g., the International Star Registry, or Star-Registration.com); only names approved by IAU processes have official standing.
A Hua He Inoa Project (Collaboration between scientists and Native Hawaiians to name astronomical objects in the solar system and beyond)
Recent story on naming a Nebula (from NOIRLab)
IAU Announcement of naming convention (also mentioning the Oumuamua name)
A Hua He Inoa (Hawaiian for “calling forth a name”) is a cultural program that honors Indigenous Hawaiian traditions in naming celestial objects.
It was created to integrate Hawaiian language and worldview into modern astronomy.
Cultural Roots Hawaiians have a rich star-naming heritage dating back to Polynesian wayfinders, who named stars and celestial phenomena for navigation and cultural significance.
Collaboration and Leadership The initiative began in 2017, led by John De Fries and Doug Simons with guidance from the Kahu Kū Mauna advisory group.
It is supported by the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Hawaiian Language College.
Naming Process Hawaiian names are developed collaboratively by cultural practitioners, navigators, language experts, and astronomers.
These names reflect Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems.
Success Stories The program has named discoveries such as ʻOumuamua and the galaxy Pōwehi, embedding Hawaiian language and cultural meaning into global astronomy.
A Hua He Inoa demonstrates how science and Indigenous culture can work together, adding depth and diversity to our understanding of the universe.
References:
International Astronomical Union. (n.d.). The Constellations. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.iau.org/IAU/Iau/Science/...ellations.aspx