Astronomical naming conventions

In ancient times, only the Sun and Moon, a few hundred stars and the most easily visible planets had names. Over the last few hundred years, the number of identified astronomical objects has risen from hundreds to over a billion, and more are discovered every year. Astronomers need to be able to assign systematic designations to unambiguously identify all of these objects, and at the same time give names to the most interesting objects and, where relevant, features of those objects.

Related Topics:
Sun - Moon - Star - Planet

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The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the major body recognized by astronomers worldwide as the naming authority for astronomical bodies. In response to the need for unambiguous names for astronomical objects, it has created a number of systematic naming systems for bodies of various sorts.

Related Topics:
International Astronomical Union - Astronomers - Systematic naming

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A few star-naming companies sell the right to list stars in their private registries under whatever name the buyer so chooses. However, the IAU (and, therefore, most astronomers) do not recognize those names as "official" (although the companies themselves do). Some websites (especially those speaking for astronomers) say that the IAU is the only body allowed to officially name heavenly objects. The star-naming companies, naturally, disagree.

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