Exploring Naming Conventions for New Planets: Creativity and Nuance

As we venture further into space, the question of how to name these incredible new worlds becomes increasingly complex and interesting. This article explores various creative and nuanced methods for naming planets and solar systems, reflecting on both historical references and mythological inspiration.

Naming a New Human-Habitable Planet

If it were my honor to be part of a mission that discovered the first human habitable planet, I would name it Hope 1. The reasoning behind this choice is profound. If and when this new planet becomes our new home, I would hope that the timeline of human history would move forward without the atrocities, discord, and destruction that we have witnessed on our current Earth.

Naming Sets of Planets and Solar Systems

Beyond individual planets, the naming of entire solar systems can be a fascinating endeavor. I would suggest naming sets of planets with references from the 20th and 21st centuries, which will be confusing to initial settlers but will be taken for granted by future generations. For instance, in the outer system, we have a main Gas Giant called Abby, named after the Beatles’ song 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da'. Abby has a small ring called Abby Lane and four moons named John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Meanwhile, the inner system is unusually empty, containing only one rocky planet named Dwayne.

Renaming Earth and the Moon

To avoid confusion, I would like to rename our planet from 'Earth' to 'EGO', representing the human mind. This would be a creative gesture that connects human consciousness to the planet's creation. The moon would also be renamed to EGON, symbolizing the point at which human understanding of the world started to falter.

Horizon of Mythological Inspiration

Greek and Roman deities have long been sources of inspiration for naming celestial bodies. For example, Mercury is named after the god of travelers and merchants, and Mars is named after the god of war. For a newly discovered planet or an imaginary one, we could choose the name of a goddess or heroine from ancient mythology. The characteristics of the planet, such as its color, shape, temperature, and shininess, could guide us in selecting an appropriate name.

Ensuring Originality and Creativity

The toughest part of naming a planet is finding a name that is not already used. We need to ensure that a name has not been given to a planet, satellite, star, or any other natural celestial body. This is a critical aspect of the naming process to avoid conflicts and ensure that each celestial body has a unique identity.

Conclusion

As our exploration of space continues, the act of naming planets and solar systems becomes more than a mere formality. It carries the weight of history, culture, and imagination. By using creative and thoughtful naming conventions, we can reflect on our past, anticipate the future, and honor the mythology and cultural heritage of various ancient civilizations.