If I discover an asteroid, will the IAU let me name it whatever I want?

Question

What kind of leeway do I have with naming any asteroids that I might discover? Do guidelines exist?

Am I allowed to name my asteroid "Something Silly" or "Clowning Around"? How about "UFO"?

If I choose to honor someone else with my discovery, rather than myself, what are the limitations upon bestowing such an honor? Could I name my asteroid for my mom, for a wife, for a girlfriend, for a historical figure, for a contemporary public figure? Which persons may I not presume to use as the inspiration for my asteroid's name?

I suppose that I might be allowed to name it "McNair," but not "McNair's Head." Is this correct?

Answer 1

Hi,

Maybe this will help, see ref source at the bottom

"The first asteroids to be discovered were given names from classical mythology, such as Ceres, Juno, Pallas and Vesta. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) now regulates the naming of asteroids. Names are no longer restricted to mythological characters, but must be inoffensive and not connected with recent political or military activity.

However, no asteroid is awarded a name until it has been observed long enough for its orbit to be determined with a fair degree of precision. This may take several years, but when it is achieved the body is awarded a “permanent designation” (a number issued in strict numerical sequence) and the discoverer is invited to suggest a name for approval by a special committee of the International Astronomical Union.

Strictly speaking, Ceres, the first known asteroid, is known as (1) Ceres. Examples of more unusual or whimsical names include (7758) Poulanderson (named after a science fiction author), (8749) Beatles (named after the 1960s pop group), and (5460) Tsenaat'a'i (which means “flying rock” in the Navaho language).

The prize for the most imaginative name goes to (2037) Tripaxeptalis. The name is pure invention but sounds like “triPax-septAlice”, which reflects the fact that its permanent designation is three times that of (679) Pax and seven times that of (291) Alice".

Answer 2

Most of these questions are answered at the following link:

http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/iau/info/Astr...

Answer 3

dno but name it after me .thanks

Answer 4

Well if it truly is undiscovered You most likely will be able to name it whatever you want.Like plop lap anything.

Answer 5

Historically, the discover has named the object. Most recent asteroid discoveries have been made by government funded automated sky surveys, and those are named for the observatory.

Here's what IAU says: http://www.iau.org/public_press/themes/n...

Answer 6

propbably not... someone at NASA will say they already discovered it, then your name will be left out of it completely, and you wont get to name it at all. even though they had no idea it existed.

Answer 7

well if you decover it you can do anything you want with it..

Answer 8

The person who discovers it has the right to name but you can't just give it any name! I'm sure that you have to follow some rules!