The trans-Neptunian planetoid 2002 MS4 is currently the largest known unnamed Sun-orbiting object. Is there any standard schedule on when this and similar objects might be named? Usually the discoverers propose the names for the celestial body, which Chad Trujillo and Michael Brown obiously haven't. In that case, what will happen?
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2 Answers
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If the discoverers don't propose a name (and they have a 10 year interval in which to do so) then the object remains unnamed.
This minor solar system body has a permanent designation, "307261" which uniquely identifies it. So there is no need for a name. There is no provision for the IAU to grant the naming rights to a third person, and certainly the naming rights aren't auctioned or available for sale.
So if the discoverers don't name it, it remains known only by its numeric code.
See https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming/ section "Minor Planets"
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$\begingroup$ According to your link, the discoverer has the privilege of naming it for ten years. That means after that, anyone can theoretically name it, but it still has to be approved, as you say. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(307261)_2002_MS4#Numbering_and_naming $\endgroup$ Aug 18, 2022 at 22:57
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Actually anyone can name this Dwarf Planet at this point, it just has to follow the guidelines specified in the link above.. Dr. Jan Ticha at the IAU is the one that receives the submissions.
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1$\begingroup$ This is probably right, but the IAU normally ignores naming suggestions from people who don't have a particular interest in the object. Anyone can suggest a name, but unless you can also demonstrate a need for the object to be named, you can expect your suggestion to fall on deaf ears. $\endgroup$– James KJan 10, 2022 at 22:03
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$\begingroup$ Can you provide more details to your answer? What exactly are the criteria that need to be met? $\endgroup$ Jan 11, 2022 at 2:42