Planetary nomenclature

The nomenclature of the solar system or planetary nomenclature is the system for scientific, uniquely identify surface structures of planets, moons and smaller celestial bodies in the solar system. The allocation of such terms is since its establishment in 1919 in the hands of the International Astronomical Union ( IAU).

Method of assigning names

Once by a celestial body first pictures are available, (mostly from the relevant IAU Working Group ) chosen a theme and for some flashy surface structures will be named. Following can bring anyone suggestions for other names that will be discussed by the working group then. If the proposed name as the subject fits considered, it will only reset once. Once higher resolution images and better maps are available and for an examined by the researchers surface structure, a name is requested, a possible matching selected from the proposed name. This proposal is forwarded to the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature ( WGPSN ), the agency responsible for Planetological Nomenclature Working Group of the IAU. There he discussed again. If the proposal is in the WGPSN agreement, he ( provisionally approved) and can be used with an appropriate note in maps and publications deemed to be " provisionally recognized ". Finally, these temporary name to be confirmed by the triennial general shareholders' meeting of the IAU. After the name is " officially adopted " ( ADOPTED ).

IAU rules and conventions

For those accepted by the IAU names, there are a number of rules and conventions that have evolved in the course of time:

Designations for surface structures

The names of all planetary structures are generally composed of a structure name (eg sine wave) and the actual name (eg, iridium, iridium are sine "Bay of the Rainbow" ), except for craters in which the structure name is implicitly and in some short-lived structures, for example on the moons Io and Triton.