The Faculty of Science and Technology

After a nationwide call for names – ten (10), final entrants have been chosen for the IAU 100 NameExoWorlds Trinidad and Tobago Competition.

Vote for which names you think Trinidad and Tobago’s official exoplanet and its host star should be called. Public voting ends on November 10.

Don’t forget to share the link with your friends and family so they can be part of the naming too!

The grand prize is a telescope, with two hampers as consolation prizes for the runners up. We look forward to your vote!
#fstuwi #savetheplanet #nameexoworldstt #joinfstuwi #astronomytt #namesomethingcool #oneuwi

This year 2019 makes it 100 years since the inception of the lnternational Astronomical Union (IAU) which is the largest Astronomy body in the world and responsible for the official names of celestial objects. It was they who demoted Pluto from its designation as a planet in the solar system. In celebration of the 100-year anniversary, countries around the world have an opportunity to name an exoplanet and its host star - which will become its official name, apart from the scientific designation. There are just about 4000 exoplanets discovered to date. Trinidad and Tobago’s proposal was accepted and we are the only country in the Caribbean to be granted this opportunity. Our (yes, our...) system is known by the scientific designation HD96063 (host star) and HD96063b (exoplanet).

The Faculty of Science and Technology is pleased that the UWI Stargazers is on the committee as well as Dr Shirin Haque who is the National Outreach Coordinator (IAU) and Chair of local NameExoworlds committee.

A nationwide competition opens from September 15 - October 15 online (https://www.nameexoworldstt.com/) in search of the pair of names that will immortalize Trinidad and Tobago among the stars with its cultural legacy!