Looking for celestial inspiration? The universe offers an incredible array of cool planet names that capture our imagination and spark wonder. From the mythological origins of our solar system’s planets to the exotic designations of newly discovered exoplanets, these cosmic monikers tell fascinating stories.
We’ve scoured the galaxy to bring you the most intriguing planet names across the cosmos. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a science fiction writer, or simply curious about astronomical nomenclature, you’ll find something to marvel at in our carefully curated collection. These aren’t just random designations—they’re portals to understanding how humans have connected with the stars throughout history.
10 Most Mesmerizing Planet Names in Our Solar System
- Mercury – Named after the swift-footed messenger of the Roman gods, Mercury orbits the sun faster than any other planet in our solar system, completing a revolution in just 88 Earth days. This celestial body’s name perfectly captures its rapid movement across the sky as observed from Earth.
- Venus – Bearing the name of the Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus shines as the brightest natural object in our night sky after the Moon. Its brilliant appearance has captivated stargazers for millennia, earning it nicknames as both the “morning star” and “evening star.”
- Earth – Unlike other planets named after gods, our home planet’s name derives from Old English and Germanic words meaning “ground” or “soil.” Earth stands unique in our solar system as the only planet not named after a Greco-Roman deity.
- Mars – The distinctive reddish appearance of Mars led ancient civilizations to associate it with blood and war, eventually receiving its name from the Roman god of war. Its crimson hue, caused by iron oxide on its surface, continues to make it instantly recognizable in astronomical observations.
- Jupiter – Fittingly named after the king of Roman gods, Jupiter reigns as the largest planet in our solar system. This gas giant contains more than twice the mass of all other planets combined, truly deserving its regal nomenclature.
- Saturn – Named for the Roman god of agriculture and wealth, Saturn captivates observers with its magnificent ring system. The planet honors the father of Jupiter in Roman mythology, continuing the family theme in our planetary naming conventions.
- Uranus – Breaking from Roman tradition, Uranus takes its name from the Greek deity of the sky who was the grandfather of Zeus. The planet was discovered in 1781 by astronomer William Herschel, making it the first planet found with the aid of a telescope.
- Neptune – Discovered through mathematical predictions rather than direct observation, Neptune bears the name of the Roman god of the sea. Its deep blue coloration, caused by methane in its atmosphere, perfectly matches its oceanic namesake.
- Pluto – Though reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, Pluto’s name remains among the most fascinating in our cosmic neighborhood. Named after the Roman god of the underworld, this distant industry received its title from 11-year-old Venetia Burney, who suggested the name shortly after its discovery in 1930.
- Ceres – As the largest object in the asteroid belt, Ceres earned dwarf planet status alongside Pluto. Named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvest, this intriguing area contains nearly one-third of the asteroid belt’s total mass even though measuring just 590 miles in diameter.
Ancient Gods Among the Stars: How Planets Got Their Mythological Names
When we gaze at the night sky, we’re looking at celestial bodies named thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations. The tradition of naming planets after mythological deities has created a cosmic pantheon that connects astronomy to our cultural heritage.
Mercury: The Swift Messenger of the Gods
Mercury orbits our Sun faster than any other planet, completing a full revolution in just 88 Earth days. This rapid movement perfectly matches its namesake, the Roman god Mercury, who served as the swift messenger of the gods. Ancient Romans associated Mercury with commerce, travel, and communication, noting his remarkable speed as he carried messages between gods and mortals. The planet’s quick orbit around the Sun made it an ideal astronomical representation of this fleet-footed deity. Historical records show that Mercury was one of the five planets visible to ancient civilizations without telescopes, cementing its early place in astronomical naming traditions.
Venus: Named for the Goddess of Love and Beauty
Venus shines as the brightest natural object in our night sky after the Moon, earning its title as the “Morning Star” or “Evening Star.” Ancient Romans named this radiant planet after Venus, their goddess of love, beauty, desire, and fertility. The Greek equivalent of this deity was Aphrodite, who held similar divine responsibilities in their mythology. Venus’s brilliant appearance in the sky made it a natural choice to represent the goddess renowned for her unparalleled beauty. The planet’s association with love and beauty has transcended cultures, inspiring countless poets, artists, and romantics throughout human history.
Exoplanets With Hauntingly Beautiful Names
Beyond our solar system, astronomers have discovered planets with names as mysterious as they are beautiful. These distant worlds not only captivate with their scientific importance but also with their evocative designations.
Kepler-186f: The Earth’s Distant Cousin
Kepler-186f orbits its star approximately 490 light-years from Earth and has earned its reputation as our planet’s “distant cousin” for good reason. This remarkable exoplanet shares several crucial similarities with Earth, most notably its terrestrial composition and comparable size. Scientists find Kepler-186f particularly intriguing because it resides within its star’s habitable zone, where conditions might allow liquid water to exist on its surface. Among the thousands of exoplanets discovered to date, Kepler-186f stands out as one of the most Earth-like worlds, offering tantalizing possibilities for understanding planetary development beyond our solar system.
HD 189733b: The Deep Blue Marble
Located just 63 light-years away, HD 189733b presents astronomers with a stunning visual spectacle unlike any other known exoplanet. This gas giant earned its poetic nickname “The Deep Blue Marble” due to its vivid azure appearance. The planet’s distinctive blue color results from silicate particles suspended in its atmosphere that scatter blue and violet light wavelengths more effectively than longer wavelengths. Researchers have documented powerful stellar winds buffeting this industry, creating dramatic interactions between the planet’s atmosphere and its host star. Even though being inhospitable to life as we know it, HD 189733b’s striking appearance makes it one of the most visually captivating exoplanets currently known to science.
Strange and Mysterious Dwarf Planet Names
Beyond the classical planets, our solar system hosts several dwarf planets with names that tell fascinating mythological tales. These celestial bodies carry names steeped in cultural significance from various civilizations.
Eris: The Goddess of Discord and Strife
Eris stands as the ninth most massive known object orbiting our Sun, lurking just beyond the Kuiper Belt. Named after the Greek goddess of strife and discord, this dwarf planet received its official designation on September 13, 2006, following a proposal by the Caltech team a week earlier. In Greek mythology, Eris delights in conflict and chaos, famously throwing the Apple of Discord at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis—an act that eventually triggered the Trojan War. Her reputation centers around spreading hate and discord, with ancient texts describing her as a deity who revels in the screams of dying warriors on battlefields. Astronomically important, Eris travels through space accompanied by a single moon called Dysnomia, appropriately named after the demon goddess of lawlessness who was Eris’s daughter in mythology.
Makemake: The Creator God of Easter Island
Makemake orbits our Sun within the Kuiper Belt, distinguished by its highly reflective surface containing methane and ethane ices. This dwarf planet draws its name from the chief deity of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island, where Makemake was worshipped as the creator god of humanity and the god of fertility. Within Rapa Nui mythology, Makemake holds important status as a deity associated with birds and the sea, often portrayed with an oversized head in traditional iconography. Astronomers chose this name to honor the cultural heritage of Easter Island’s indigenous population, connecting celestial discovery with earthly traditions. Unlike Eris, Makemake travels through the cosmos without any known moons, following its highly inclined and eccentric orbit through the outer reaches of our solar system.
Newly Discovered Planets With Fascinating Names
WASP-12b: The Planet Being Devoured by Its Star
WASP-12b stands out as one of the most dramatically named exoplanets in our cosmic neighborhood. Discovered in 2009, this hot Jupiter orbits a G-type main-sequence star approximately 1,200 light-years from Earth. What makes WASP-12b truly remarkable is its incredibly close proximity to its parent star, resulting in an orbital period of just over 26 hours. This cosmic dance has deadly consequences – the star’s immense gravitational forces are literally tearing the planet apart, causing it to lose its atmosphere gradually. The planet’s unique name comes from the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) project that discovered it, with its designation reflecting both its star system and order of discovery.
PSR B1257+12 B: The Pulsar Planet
PSR B1257+12 B boasts one of the most unusual planetary environments ever discovered. First identified in 1994, this planet holds the distinction of being among the first exoplanets ever confirmed. PSR B1257+12 B orbits not a regular star but a pulsar – a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation. The pulsar at the center of this system is often called an “undead star” because it represents the remnant core of a massive star that previously exploded in a supernova. Conditions on PSR B1257+12 B are extraordinarily harsh, with the planet constantly bombarded by intense radiation from its pulsar host. The planet’s scientific name derives from the pulsar’s catalog designation, creating a technical yet fascinating moniker that tells the story of its unusual cosmic home.
Cool Planet Naming Conventions: How Astronomers Choose Names
Planetary Naming Guidelines
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) establishes strict guidelines for naming celestial bodies. Planets in our solar system primarily bear names from Roman mythology, with Mars representing the god of war and Jupiter honoring the king of gods. Uranus stands as an exception, drawing its name from Greek mythology rather than Roman. Earth differs completely from this pattern, as its name derives from Old English and Germanic words for “ground” rather than any mythological figure.
Minor Planets and Asteroids
Minor planets initially received Greek or Roman mythological names, with astronomers preferring female names for main-belt objects and male names for those with unusual orbits. This system quickly became inadequate as discoveries multiplied. Today’s naming process falls under the Working Group Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN), which accepts names from diverse sources including mythology, literature, and historical figures. New discoveries first receive provisional designations based on discovery year and sequence before earning sequential numbers once their orbits are confirmed.
Exoplanet Naming Conventions
Exoplanets typically follow a practical naming convention based on their host star’s catalog designation followed by a lowercase letter. For instance, HD 209458 b identifies the first confirmed planet orbiting the star HD 209458. Many exoplanets also receive informal nicknames that capture public imagination, though these aren’t always officially recognized by astronomical authorities. These unofficial names often highlight distinctive characteristics or draw from cultural references.
Comet Nomenclature
Comets carry the names of their discoverers combined with the year they were first observed. Additional letters and numerical designations help astronomers distinguish whether the comet is periodic (returning regularly) or non-periodic (one-time visitors). This tradition honors the contributions of astronomers throughout history while providing essential information about the comet’s behavior.
Evolution of Astronomical Naming
Astronomical naming conventions have transformed significantly over time. The IAU recommends capitalizing the initial letters of individual astronomical object names for clarity and consistency. Different eras of discovery have yielded various naming schemes, resulting in a fascinating mix of ancient mythology, scientist recognition, and systematic cataloging. We’ve seen this evolution create a rich tapestry of names that blend scientific precision with cultural heritage, making the cosmos more accessible to both researchers and the public.
How to Suggest Your Own Cool Planet Name to the IAU
Understanding IAU Naming Protocols
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) maintains exact guidelines for naming celestial bodies. These protocols ensure all planetary names maintain scientific consistency while respecting diverse cultural traditions. Names typically draw inspiration from mythology, astronomy, and cultural heritage, which creates a meaningful connection between our industry and the cosmos. Notable examples include exoplanets named Ægir (after the Norse god of the sea) and Amateru (for the Japanese sun goddess).
Participation in Public Naming Campaigns
The IAU occasionally invites public participation through official naming campaigns. Their “Name an Exoplanet” initiative has allowed astronomy enthusiasts worldwide to contribute meaningful suggestions for newly discovered worlds. These campaigns typically open during important astronomical discoveries, giving us opportunities to leave our mark on the cosmos. Following the IAU’s social media channels and website provides advance notice when these campaigns open for submissions.
Crafting Unique and Appropriate Names
When developing planet name suggestions, we should focus on creating unique identifiers that won’t be confused with existing celestial bodies or scientific terms. Strong candidates often reflect the characteristics or discovery context of the planet itself. Names inspired by mythological figures, scientific phenomena, or cultural elements tend to receive favorable consideration. Suggestions like Auravelle (evoking vibrant auroras) or Thaloria (suggesting vast oceans) exemplify thoughtful planetary naming.
Submitting Through Scientific Channels
Professional and amateur astronomers with discoveries can submit naming proposals through formal IAU channels. This typically involves working with the scientific community that participated in the planet’s discovery. University astronomy departments and observatories often have connections to IAU working groups that evaluate naming suggestions. Building relationships with these institutions can help increase the chances of your suggested name receiving serious consideration.
Drawing From Diverse Cultural Sources
The IAU values names that represent Earth’s cultural diversity rather than focusing solely on Western traditions. Names drawn from indigenous mythologies, ancient civilizations, and non-Western cultural stories have been increasingly accepted in recent years. Makemake, a dwarf planet named after the creator deity of Easter Island’s Rapa Nui people, demonstrates this inclusive approach. Researching lesser-known mythological figures or cultural references can help create distinctive planetary name suggestions that stand out to the IAU evaluation committees.
The Future of Planet Naming: What’s Next for Cosmic Nomenclature
The universe’s tapestry of planetary names reveals our deep connection to the cosmos. From mythological titans like Jupiter to newly discovered worlds with haunting designations like “The Deep Blue Marble” these names capture our imagination and scientific curiosity.
As we continue exploring the vastness of space we’ll undoubtedly discover thousands more planets awaiting their perfect names. This cosmic naming tradition bridges ancient mythology modern science and cultural diversity creating a celestial catalog that belongs to all humanity.
We hope this journey through the universe’s most fascinating planetary names has sparked your curiosity about the night sky. The next time you gaze upward remember that each twinkling point of light might be someone else’s Saturn Venus or Makemake waiting to share its story with the cosmos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are planets named after mythological figures?
Planets are primarily named after Roman and Greek gods to honor ancient cultural traditions. This practice began thousands of years ago when early astronomers observed celestial bodies and associated them with their deities. The tradition continues today as it provides a rich cultural context and memorable names that reflect characteristics of the planets. For example, Mars’ reddish appearance connected it to the god of war, while Jupiter’s dominance in the sky made it fitting to name after the king of gods.
What makes Earth’s name unique among planets?
Unlike other planets in our solar system named after Roman deities, Earth derives from Old English and Germanic words meaning “ground” or “soil.” The term “Earth” (from “eorþe” or “erda”) reflects humanity’s grounded perspective rather than mythological origins. This naming anomaly exists because ancient civilizations didn’t recognize Earth as a planet similar to the wandering stars they observed in the night sky—they simply called it the ground beneath their feet.
How are newly discovered exoplanets named?
Exoplanets are typically named using their host star’s designation followed by a lowercase letter. The first confirmed planet receives the letter “b” (the star is “a”). For example, Kepler-186f indicates it’s the fifth planet (f) discovered around the star Kepler-186. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) occasionally allows public naming campaigns for significant discoveries, which can result in more memorable names while maintaining scientific classification.
What is Kepler-186f and why is it significant?
Kepler-186f is nicknamed “Earth’s distant cousin” because it resides in its star’s habitable zone and has Earth-like characteristics. Discovered by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope, this exoplanet is approximately 500 light-years away and is one of the first Earth-sized planets found in a potentially life-supporting orbit. Its significance lies in representing the possibility of finding worlds with conditions potentially suitable for life as we know it.
Why was Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet?
Pluto was reclassified in 2006 because it doesn’t meet all criteria for planethood established by the IAU. While Pluto orbits the sun and is spherical, it fails the third requirement: clearing its neighborhood of other objects. Pluto shares its orbital path with many other Kuiper Belt objects and is smaller than several moons in our solar system, including Earth’s moon. Despite the reclassification, Pluto remains an important celestial body for scientific study.
What is HD 189733b and what makes it special?
HD 189733b is an exoplanet nicknamed “The Deep Blue Marble” due to its striking azure color caused by silicate particles in its atmosphere that scatter blue light. Located about 63 light-years from Earth, this hot Jupiter-type planet orbits extremely close to its star, completing an orbit in just 2.2 Earth days. Despite its beautiful appearance, the planet experiences violent storms with wind speeds reaching 5,400 mph and temperatures exceeding 1,700°F, making it inhospitable to life.
How can someone suggest a name for a newly discovered celestial body?
To suggest names for celestial bodies, individuals must follow IAU guidelines and protocols. For minor planets and certain features, discoverers earn naming rights within specific parameters. Public naming campaigns occasionally allow citizen participation for significant discoveries. Proposed names should be 16 characters or less, pronounceable, non-offensive, and not too similar to existing names. Names of political or military figures deceased less than 100 years are generally avoided.
What is WASP-12b and what’s happening to it?
WASP-12b is a hot Jupiter exoplanet being slowly devoured by its star. Discovered by the Wide Angle Search for Planets project, it orbits extremely close to its parent star—completing an orbit in just 26 hours. This proximity causes extreme tidal forces that distort the planet into an egg shape and strip away its atmosphere. Astronomers estimate WASP-12b may be completely consumed within 10 million years, offering a rare opportunity to observe planetary destruction in progress.
Are there planets named after non-Western mythological figures?
Yes, while our solar system’s planets primarily bear Roman names, the broader cosmos includes celestial bodies named after diverse cultural mythologies. Dwarf planet Makemake honors the creator deity of Easter Island’s Rapa Nui people. Many minor planets and moons reference figures from Norse, Hawaiian, Aboriginal, Chinese, and other mythologies. The IAU increasingly encourages diverse cultural representation in nomenclature, particularly for features on planets and smaller celestial bodies.
What happens when astronomers discover a potential new planet in our solar system?
When astronomers discover a potential new planet in our solar system, it receives a temporary designation based on discovery date. The object undergoes extensive observation to verify its planetary characteristics, orbital parameters, and physical properties. The IAU’s Minor Planet Center coordinates these efforts. If confirmed as a planet, the discoverers may propose a name following IAU guidelines—typically drawing from mythology. The approval process includes expert committee review and can take several years to complete.
