Exoplanet 17
(credit: Dan Durda)

Astronomers estimate there are over 160 billion planets in our galaxy.

Here at Uwingu, we’re asking the public to create a vast list of planet names for astronomers to choose from. In fact, astronomers may not even have to choose, since they will eventually need 160 billion or more planet names! And, after all, who wants planets to be known solely by geeky technical identifiers, such as 51 Peg b or Upsilon Andromeda c?

At Uwingu, we think everyone on Earth should be able to leave their mark in space by helping name newly discovered planets in our galaxy. So go for it, and in doing so, help fund space exploration, space research, and space education.

What are the names of your children and grandchildren? Who are your friends? Who is your favorite teacher or other role model? What is your favorite sports team, novel, or film? Who are your heros? What is your home town or state? Who is your favorite artist? Let your imagination run wild! Whatever it is, as long as its not profane, pejorative, or otherwise offensive, it could be the future name of a planet.

But, only if you Uwingu!

Planet in Pink
(credit: Dan Durda)

For $0.99, nominate any name that you want … in any language using the Latin alphabet. Complete the name nomination form here. Names must:

• Be 50 characters or less
• Include letters
• Not include anything vulgar, profane or insulting
• Not duplicate any name in the database

You can nominate as many names as you want. There is no limit!

When you nominate a planet name, we’ll record it for posterity, along with your name, city and country, as well as whatever you want to say about why you nominated that particular planet name.

And, after you check out at our store, you’ll receive an email with an electronic certificate of your nominated planet name, which you can print, frame, share via social media and more.

Better yet, your nomination will help advance science and education. How? Because our goal is to award up to half of all Uwingu’s proceeds to The Uwingu Fund, which will provide grants to scientists and educators to conduct space research, education and exploration projects.

Don’t miss your chance to Uwingu. Get started today!