Although people have been naming celestial objects for millennia, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has the task of assigning scientifically recognized names to newly discovered celestial bodies by its member countries. The NameExoWorlds contest provides not only the first opportunity for the public to name exoplanets, but also, for the first time in centuries, to give popular names to some stars - those that have known exoplanets in orbit around them, according to a press release.
The list of the 20 exoplanets waiting to be named can be found here:
https://www.nameexoworlds.org/the_exoworlds
To participate in the contest, clubs and non-profit organizations must first register with the IAU Directory of World Astronomy. The deadline for registrations has been extended to 23:59 UTC on June 1.
All naming submissions having to abide by the IAU exoplanet naming conventions and must be supported by a detailed argument for their choice. The deadline for submitting naming proposals is 23:59 UTC on June 15.
The naming proposals can be submitted here:
https://www.nameexoworlds.org/
Once this stage has concluded, the public worldwide will be invited to vote on their favorite proposed names.
The final results are expected to be announced at a special public ceremony held during the IAU XXIX General Assembly in August.
