moonnaming

Moon naming is the practice of assigning official names to natural satellites, or moons, of planets, dwarf planets, and other minor bodies. In the scientific community, naming is coordinated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) through its Working Group for Planetary Nomenclature (WGPSN). The goal is to provide consistent, culturally diverse, and non-duplicative names that aid communication and research.

History and framework. As telescopic surveys expanded the known satellite populations, the need for standardized names grew. The IAU established formal conventions and procedures to approve names, ensuring they fit within established thematic schemes and avoid duplication or controversy. The WGPSN reviews proposals, checks for conflicts with existing names, and considers cultural and linguistic appropriateness before granting official status.

Naming conventions by planet. Each major planet or category of object has a characteristic naming theme. For example, many of Jupiter’s moons bear names drawn from figures associated with Zeus; Saturn’s moons often reference Titans and other mythic beings; Uranus adopts names from Shakespeare and Alexander Pope; Neptune’s moons tend to derive from sea gods and sea nymphs; and Pluto’s moons carry mythological names connected to the underworld. Dwarf planets and their moons follow similar theme-driven conventions tailored to their discoverers and context.

Proposal and approval process. When a moon is confirmed as a distinct object, the discoverers may submit proposed names to the IAU, typically within the established thematic guidelines. The WGPSN evaluates the suggestions, conducts checks for conflicts, and, if acceptable, approves the name for official use in scientific literature and maps.

Notable outcomes. Well-known examples include Jupiter’s Io, Europa, and Ganymede; Uranus’s Titania and Oberon; Neptune’s Nereid and Galatea; and Pluto’s Charon, Hydra, Nix, Kerberos, and Styx. The practice continues as new moons are discovered and cataloged.