[meteorite-list] Name the new Canadian fall

From: Jeff Grossman <jgrossman_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:04:16 -0500
Message-ID: <4943CEF0.7080408_at_usgs.gov>

The final selection of a name rests with the Nomenclature Committee.
They have guidelines about what characterizes a proper meteorite name
(and contrary to popular belief, these do not say anything about post
offices). However, there are no rules at all regarding who may propose
a name for a new meteorite.

Normally, the group that submits the initial characterization of the
meteorite to the NomCom makes a suggestion about what the name should
be. Surprisingly, there have been only a few cases where multiple
suggestions have been made by different groups. A recent example was
Carancas (vs. Desaguadero). I don't know how the committee would react
to suggestions coming out of the community at large. I think they would
probably give deference to the finder and/or initial-characterization
team, unless a counter-suggestion was backed by a better reason than
"too John Waynish" or "no distinct Canadian sound."

But if I was doing the initial description of this meteorite, I would be
thinking as you are. If I could pick from multiple names of nearby
geographic features and some are boring and some are cool, I'd go for
cool; if Buzzard Coulee was one of my choices, it would be a no-brainer
(except that maybe folks from Saskatchewan would not want a name with
the initials B.C.).

Jeff

tett wrote:
> Jeff and List,
>
> Wondering who has final authority in naming new meteorites? I know
> there are some general guidelines (nearest post office or town or
> landmark) but who has final say? Will the peopel from U of Calgary be
> allowed input? Can the met list opinion influence the final name?
>
> I am asking these questions in hopes of influencing the final name of
> the new Canadian fall. It has been rerefed to as Lone Rock (too John
> Waynish for a Canadian stone), Marsden (Not bad but no distinct
> Canadian sound), Lloydminster (Getting better) and Buzzard Coulee (Now
> we are talking!)
>
> Looking at the map there are some other cool names close by such as
> Unwin, Zumbro and Manitou Lake. Manitou being the Ojibwey name for
> the Great Spirit or spirits.
>
> Well, if it counts, my vote would be for Buzzard Coulee.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mike Tettenborn,
> Owen Sound, Ontario
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-- 
Dr. Jeffrey N. Grossman       phone: (703) 648-6184
US Geological Survey          fax:   (703) 648-6383
954 National Center
Reston, VA 20192, USA

Received on Sat 13 Dec 2008 10:04:16 AM PST