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How Are Planets Named? Planets in the Solar System Science for Children

Jonathan Franzen

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Published in How Are Planets Named? Planets In The Solar System Science Grade 4 Children S Astronomy Space

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Have you ever wondered how planets get their names? It's a fascinating story that goes back thousands of years.

How are Planets Named? | Planets in the Solar System | Science Grade 4 | Children's Astronomy & Space Books

by Baby Professor

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	52521 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	84 pages

The Early Days

The first planets to be discovered were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These planets were named after Roman gods and goddesses. Mercury was named after the Roman god of trade and travel. Venus was named after the Roman goddess of beauty and love. Mars was named after the Roman god of war. Jupiter was named after the Roman god of thunder and lightning. And Saturn was named after the Roman god of agriculture.

As more planets were discovered, astronomers began to run out of Roman gods to name them after. So they started to use other names, such as the names of mythological figures, places, and even scientists.

The IAU

In 1919, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) was founded. The IAU is an organization that sets the rules for naming astronomical objects. The IAU has established a set of guidelines for naming planets, which includes the following:

Planets must be named after Roman gods or goddesses.
Planets must be named after mythological figures, places, or scientists.
Planets must not be named after living people.
Planets must not be named after political or military leaders.
Planets must not be named after religious figures.

The Planets in Our Solar System

The eight planets in our solar system are named as follows:

Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune

Earth is the only planet in our solar system that is not named after a Roman god or goddess. It is named after the Anglo-Saxon word "erda," which means "ground" or "soil.

Dwarf Planets

In addition to the eight planets in our solar system, there are also a number of dwarf planets. Dwarf planets are smaller than planets, but they are larger than asteroids. The IAU has established a set of guidelines for naming dwarf planets, which includes the following:

Dwarf planets must be named after mythological figures, places, or scientists.
Dwarf planets must not be named after living people.
Dwarf planets must not be named after political or military leaders.
Dwarf planets must not be named after religious figures.

The Future of Planetary Naming

As we continue to explore the solar system and beyond, we are likely to discover new planets and dwarf planets. The IAU will continue to set the rules for naming these objects, and it will be interesting to see what names they come up with in the future.

The naming of planets is a fascinating and complex process. It is a process that has evolved over time, and it is likely to continue to evolve in the future. As we continue to learn more about our solar system and beyond, we will undoubtedly discover new planets and dwarf planets. And with each new discovery, we will have to come up with a new name.

Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps one day we will discover a planet that is named after you!

How are Planets Named? | Planets in the Solar System | Science Grade 4 | Children's Astronomy & Space Books

by Baby Professor

4.8 out of 5