The IAU is the only body that provides official names for stars and planets but as part of their centenary celebrations they are allowing countries to name a planet and its host star – an Exoworld.
Here in the Cook Islands we have been allocated the planet and its star (officially called HD 221287 b) for residents to name through an online competition.
From all the entries the Cook Islands Astronomical Society will select the best ten. These will then go to a group of our traditional leaders and Maori specialists to select three– a main entry and two backup entries. The three entries will be sent to the IAU by November 15. The final choice and announcement will be made during the week of December 16 – 21.
If you wish to make an entry please read the rules very carefully. Entries that do not conform to the rules will be automatically disqualified.
The Cook Islands now has a chance to name an exoworld – a star and its associated planet.
Click the picture to visit the IAU exoworlds home page
From all the entries the Cook Islands Astronomical Society will select the best ten. These will then go to a group of our traditional leaders and Maori specialists to select three– a main entry and two backup entries. The three entries will be sent to the IAU by November 15. The final choice and announcement will be made during the week of December 16 – 21.