From: Harvey Newstrom (mail@HarveyNewstrom.com)
Date: Thu Jan 09 2003 - 22:59:56 MST
avatar wrote,
> I find it strange that no one has publicly noted the disparity. Okay,
perhaps
> it's not a planet but a Kuiper ring object like Pluto, but what the hey, I
come from
> a "continent" that also an "island" (Australia) (formerly New Holland). It
is
> an interesting note that consistency has been thrown out. Sociologically
> interesting. (I assume the relevant astronomical scientific body will
> approve the two discoverer's choice, if it hasn't already)
The rules are at <http://www.ss.astro.umd.edu/IAU/csbn/mpnames.shtml>.
- Trojan asteroids (those that librate in 1:1 resonance with Jupiter) are
named for heroes of the Trojan War (Greeks at L4 and Trojans at L5).
- Trans-Jovian planets crossing or approaching the orbit of a giant planet
but not in a stabilizing resonance are named for centaurs
- Objects crossing or approaching the orbit of Neptune and in stabilizing
resonances other than 1:1 are given mythological names associated with the
underworld.
- Objects sufficiently outside Neptune's orbit that orbital stability is
reasonably assured for a substantial fraction of the lifetime of the solar
system are given mythological names associated with creation.
- Objects that approach or cross Earth's orbit are given mythological names.
-- Harvey Newstrom, CISSP <http://HarveyNewstrom.com>
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