Astronomical Object Names

Astronomical objects are named through various methods that combine historical traditions and systematic cataloging. Many stars and celestial bodies have traditional names from ancient cultures, such as Sirius and Betelgeuse. Others are named based on their position in constellations using the Bayer designation (e.g., Alpha Centauri) or the Flamsteed designation (e.g., 51 Pegasi). Modern discoveries are often cataloged with numbers, such as in the Messier (M31) or New General Catalogue (NGC 224). Exoplanets are named after their host star followed by a letter (e.g., 51 Pegasi b), while minor planets and asteroids receive provisional designations like 1998 WW31 before being officially named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Planetary moons are named after mythological figures, and the IAU oversees the standardization of all official names for clarity and consistency across the scientific community.