Naming of new planets creates conflict

Nature : Assigning names to new planets and other astronomical bodies is apparently becoming a point of contention for the International Astronomical Union , the internationally recognized organization in charge of the official naming process. On 12 April the IAU issued a press release addressing a recent campaign by a private group to solicit names for the planet orbiting α Centauri B. Uwingu , a space-education company in Boulder, Colorado, charged members of the public $4.99 to make a nomination and $0.99 to cast a vote. The IAU objected to the buying of naming rights and made clear that such campaigns have no bearing on the official naming process , which was established in the early 20th century. Because official catalog designations such as HD 41004 Ab can be cumbersome, however, the IAU is now considering the adoption of popular names for exoplanets. French astronomer Alain Lecavelier des Etangs, chairman of the IAU exoplanet-naming commission, says that the IAU will decide within the next six months whether to adopt popular names, writes Alexandra Witze for Nature.