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
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