WGSBN

The Working Group on Small Bodies Nomenclature, or WGSBN, is a committee of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Its primary responsibility is the designation and naming of small Solar System bodies, which include asteroids, comets, and other minor planets. The WGSBN operates under the authority of the IAU's Commission F1, which focuses on solar system and exoplanet nomenclature.

Established to streamline the process of naming these celestial objects, the WGSBN reviews proposals submitted by discoverers. These proposals must adhere to specific guidelines established by the IAU, ensuring consistency and clarity in astronomical nomenclature. The committee then votes on these proposals, and if approved, the names are officially recognized by the IAU.

The WGSBN plays a crucial role in organizing and cataloging the vast and ever-increasing number of small bodies discovered in our solar system. Its work ensures that each object receives a unique and appropriate designation, facilitating scientific research and communication within the astronomical community. The committee's decisions are published and made accessible to the public, contributing to the ongoing exploration and understanding of our solar system.