How objects are named today
Most star names have reached us from antiquity, but solar system objects still are being discovered — and named — today.
Published:
August 29, 2005
| The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has arbitrated planetary and satellite nomenclature since 1919. Back then, members appointed a committee to standardize the varied lunar and martian names in use. Before that, the only objects whose names astronomers universally agreed upon were comets. Then, as now, comets are named for their discoverers. |
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