Alness cadet's idea is just out of this world!; Cadet's exoplanet name suggestion on final shortlist
A TEENAGER from Easter Ross is seeking public support for an attempt that is really out of this world.
The imagination of Cadet Corporal Alfie Robertson from Alness was ignited when he heard about a competition to name an exoplanet, essentially a planet outside the Solar System.
He’s a member of the 379 (County of Ross) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, which is based at Alness. After civilian instructor, Squadron Leader Andy Dobson, became aware of the ExoWorld Competition, he flagged it up through the group’s social media platforms.
Over recent years astronomers have discovered thousands of planets and planetary systems orbiting around nearby stars. Some are small and rocky like the Earth, whilst others are gas giants like Jupiter.
Alfie suggested the currently named exoplanet WASP-13b and its host star WASP-13 plumped for Saoghal, gaelic for ‘world’ for the exoplanet, and Brѐagha, or beautiful, for its host star.
Out of the thousands of entries, Alfie’s was one of only two that made the final shortlist from Scotland.
After the public vote closes on the Monday, December 2, all votes will be counted, and the results passed on for verification.
Squadron Leader Andy Dobson said: “Without being biased we would strongly urge that you support 379 (County of Ross) Squadron, Highland Wing, of the Royal Air Force Air Cadet organisation, and of course Cadet Corporal Robertson, to become the Scottish and UK overall winner in this unique competition, and to be forever remembered in the naming of an exoplanet, a truly out of this world opportunity.”
To cast your vote, visit website https://exoworld.co.uk/ where you will see all ten nominations.
