FAQ

What are the naming rules?

Please see the official naming rules for the full details, but here are the main do’s and don’ts for naming WASP-62 b and its star.

Do

  • Suggest two names, one for the planet and one for its star.
  • Use any of the 11 official South African languages.
  • Choose things, people, or places of long-standing cultural, historical, or geographical significance, worthy of being assigned to a celestial object.
  • Choose names for the star and the planet which follow a common naming theme.
  • Make sure any other objects in the exoplanetary system can be named using this naming theme.
  • Provide a brief explanation (maximal 100 words) why you chose your names.
Don’t
  • Use names which are offensive.
  • Choose people which have died after 1918 or are still alive.
  • Suggest names of individuals, places or events principally known for political, military or religious activities.

What will happen if my names are chosen?

The selected names will be recognized by the IAU as the appropriate publically used name for the object(s).

The proposed names will be published as such, along with due credit to the proposers that proposed it.

This public name may then be used internationally along with, or instead of, the scientific designation, permanently and without restrictions.

However, the names won’t replace the scientific designations WASP-62 / WASP-62 b.

Who can take part in the competition?

Anyone living in South Africa may suggest names.

Can I suggest more than one pair of names?

Of course! But please suggest one  pair of names at a time.

Who is running the competition?

The competition is run by the International Astronomical Unioon as part of its 100 year celebrations. The South African National Competition Committee has the following members:

Chair: Sivuyile Manxoyi (NOC,  SAAO)

Shadrack Mukansi (SAASTA) 
Sandile Rikhotso (SAASTEC and University of Limpopo) 
Buzani Khumalo (SAAO) 
Claire Flanagan (ASSA) 
Tebogo Habedi (Accelormittal Science Centre / SAASTEC) 
Christian Hettlage (SALT) 
Case Rijsdijk (ASTEMI, SAIP and ASSA)