discovery!

[dannyday5821]

ive just discovered a planet! (hyperthetically of course!) do i have a right to name it? can i call it whatever i want? whats the process? how long does it take to finalise? are there any restrictions?

[jake-the-peg]

Names of bodies are down to the IAU (International Astronomical Union) to recognise.

Typically Planets are named after ancient Gods, and features on planets like craters are typically named after great people.

If you want something named after yourself you're best to discover a comet - these are normally named after the discoverer.

Not only that but it's not unusual for the discoverer to be an amateur. There is a whole subculture of "comet hunters" dedicated to imortalising their names by finding a comet and they're prepare to spend night after night in the freezing cold with huge binoculars to do it.

Although now more and more use Nasa's facilities see here:
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/solarsyste m/1000comet.html