Rename Uranus to Caelus.

The Issue

The name "Uranus" has long stood out as an anomaly among the planets of our solar system. While the other celestial bodies are named after Roman deities, Uranus bears a moniker derived from Greek mythology, honoring the god Ouranos. This departure from the established naming convention has led to inconsistencies and detracts from the overall harmony in planetary nomenclature. Therefore, it is proposed that Uranus be officially renamed to "Caelus," aligning it with the Latin tradition and fostering greater coherence within celestial naming conventions.

"Caelus," the Latin counterpart of the Greek god Ouranos, retains the original homage to the deity of the sky while ensuring consistency with the names of the other planets. This proposed change not only addresses the linguistic deviation associated with the current name but also respects the historical and cultural context of planetary nomenclature. By adopting "Caelus" as the official designation for the seventh planet from the Sun, we honor both the celestial tradition and the scientific community's commitment to accuracy and uniformity. This petition thus urges the Working Group on Planetary System Nomenclature at the International Astronomical Union to consider and approve this renaming proposal, promoting cohesion and dignity in the naming of celestial bodies.
 
 
 

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The Issue

The name "Uranus" has long stood out as an anomaly among the planets of our solar system. While the other celestial bodies are named after Roman deities, Uranus bears a moniker derived from Greek mythology, honoring the god Ouranos. This departure from the established naming convention has led to inconsistencies and detracts from the overall harmony in planetary nomenclature. Therefore, it is proposed that Uranus be officially renamed to "Caelus," aligning it with the Latin tradition and fostering greater coherence within celestial naming conventions.

"Caelus," the Latin counterpart of the Greek god Ouranos, retains the original homage to the deity of the sky while ensuring consistency with the names of the other planets. This proposed change not only addresses the linguistic deviation associated with the current name but also respects the historical and cultural context of planetary nomenclature. By adopting "Caelus" as the official designation for the seventh planet from the Sun, we honor both the celestial tradition and the scientific community's commitment to accuracy and uniformity. This petition thus urges the Working Group on Planetary System Nomenclature at the International Astronomical Union to consider and approve this renaming proposal, promoting cohesion and dignity in the naming of celestial bodies.
 
 
 

The Decision Makers

Executive Committee WG Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN)
Executive Committee WG Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN)

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Petition created on 28 February 2024