IAU Concerns and Considerations with the Naming of Mars Craters

[Rick]

IAU Concerns and Considerations with the Naming of Mars Craters

Recently initiatives that capitalise on the public's interest in space and astronomy have proliferated, some putting a price tag on naming space objects and their features, such as Mars craters. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) would like to emphasise that such initiatives go against the spirit of free and equal access to space, as well as against internationally recognised standards. Hence no purchased names can ever be used on official maps and globes. The IAU encourages the public to become involved in the naming process of space objects and their features by following the officially recognised (and free) methods.

More: http://www.iau.org/public_press/news/detail/iau1402/