| CASME | Science and Mathematics Teacher Development | A Shell Southern Africa Project |

Sites

Name Our Asteroid Competition

by Henre Benson

08 November 2009

This is a chance for young South Africans to name an asteroid! The asteroid was discovered in 2005 on March the 11th by Dr. Amanda Gulbis as part of the Deep Ecliptic Survey, using the Mayall 4-m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. It was numbered as asteroid 202373, but has not been formally named. The discoverer of an asteroid has the right to propose a name. Dr. Gulbis kindly offers South African youth the opportunity to name asteroid 202373 on her behalf. Proposed names will be examined by a selection committee at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), and the competition winner's proposed name will be forwarded to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for ratification.

Who can suggest a name?

Young people, 18 or under, living in South Africa may suggest a name. Either groups (school, church, clubs, etc.) or individuals are welcome to submit entries. See the "how to apply" page for details. The winner will receive not only have the honor of naming the asteroid, but will also receive a PRIZE!

If your asteroid name is selected...

The person or group who submit the winning asteroid name will be credited in the submission to the IAU (International Astronomical Union). This is the text that is permanently associated with the asteroid and describes the discovery and reason for the name.

In addition, the winner will be given a TELESCOPE! This is an Orion SkyQuest Classic Dobsonian, with a 6" diameter mirror.

6" Orion Dobsonian Telescope

Recent Items
	Sites
	Inkanyezi Sharing Platform Launch
	Resource Centres
	Absa Visit to Msinga Resource Centre
	Projects
	National Science Week 2009
	People
	Staff Contact Details
	News
	Engen CSI pilots Whole School Development programme
	Materials
	CASME’S APPROACH TO THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
	Jula News
	South Coast Visitor Does Justice to Jula!
	Evaluation
	Changing Times - Dr David Bateson - An Evaluation of CASME
	Books
	Cruising Science Book Series Launched
	About
	2007 Annual Report