Canada’s Name the Exoplanet Contest!

Nikâwiy & Awâsis

The International Astronomical Union asked that Canadians propose new names for the star HD 136418 and its exoplanet HD 136418b. They received over 500 suggestions!

Star: Nikawiy

Exoplanet: Awasis

Description: Nikâwiy and Awâsis are the words for “mother” and “child” in the Cree language. The planet orbits its mother, always together and looking for her light.

Proposed by: Amanda Green (Alberta) and Wilfred Buck (Manitoba)

photos.app.goo.gl/apBcHsy7E8NgqbB66

Say hello to Awasis, Canada's very own newly named alien planetTwo Canadian space and astronomy enthusiasts can now claim to have named an exoplanet!

Cree names submitted by Alberta teacher for planet and star win national contest"Nikâwiy, which is the star, and orbiting around it, looking for its light, is the child, Awasis."