And then may come some proper planet names. Exoplanets are presently referred to by their host star plus a letter (a, b, c…) depending on how many other planets are present in the system, and the stars themselves are typically just cataloged by the first syllable or two of the constellation that they appear in, with some digits before or after; hence those R2D2-like designations.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), which officially names heavenly bodies, has resisted naming exoplanets, for now. "But once we find some really important, Earth-like ones, the IAU will probably be forced to make a naming decision," Cash says. And with 50 billion exoplanets–plus waiting for names, who knows? Maybe our grandchildren will grow up learning about real planets with names dreamed up by George Lucas.

View the Top Ten Exoplanets Slide Show

6 Comments

1. 1. nfiertel 10:35 PM 8/12/08

   I suggest in the article on Exoplanets that the use of slang terms such as "suss" is inappropriate. Such use of slang belongs perhaps over a couple of pints in the bar but not in Scientific American discussing astronomical details.

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2. 2. dookiesean 05:48 AM 12/16/08

   how is it that large gaseous planets are forming in orbits close to their stars? don't large jovian-like planets require an icy core, such that would only accrete very far away from its star?

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3. 3. kev 12:14 PM 3/9/10

   there are no unique events in the universe. If something occurs once it will occur over and over again. There is intelligent life on one planet. Terefore, there is likelyto be
   itelligent life on others. Primitive life, and animal life, will
   be found to be fairly common, even in our own galaxy. The
   "One-in-one-thousand-theory" (Kevin McGloin) predicts that
   there is four intelligent civilisations in The Milky-Way.

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4. 4. vadxor 01:10 PM 4/29/10

   I,m 84 yrs now and astronomy fan since I was 10. Had to be content with SF mags/books but present daily facts are overwhelming and satisfying reality
   C.J.Bergmans

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5. 5. vadxor 01:10 PM 4/29/10

   I,m 84 yrs now and astronomy fan since I was 10. Had to be content with SF mags/books but present daily facts are overwhelming and satisfying reality
   C.J.Bergmans

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6. 6. con_stella_virgo 06:16 PM 9/22/11

   I have a question about Giliese and the diamond planet. how far away are they from each other?
   Are there any useful links that are up to date with constellation maps of these new findings.

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