Thai names in space

Overview of space objects named after Thai people, mythology and places

Several space objects and features have been named after Thai people or things in Thailand. These include planetary features on Mars and Venus, minor planets, and exoplanets.[1]

## Stars and exoplanets

[edit]

See also: List of proper names of exoplanets

As of February 2024, four planets orbiting three different stars have IAU-approved Thai formal names, which they received on three NameExoWorlds campaigns[2][3][4]

Star | Planet | Distance | Named after

|
|
|

Chalawan
(47 UMa)  | Taphao Thong
(47 UMa b) | 45.3 ly | Characters of the folktale Krai Thong[5]
Taphao Kaew
(47 UMa c)
Chaophraya
(WASP-50)  | Maeping
(WASP-50b) | 610 ly | Chao Phraya River and its tributary the Mae Ping[6]
Kaewkosin
(GJ 3470)  | Phailinsiam
(GJ 3470 b) | 96 ly | Precious stones in the Thai language

## Planetary features

[edit]

As of February 2024, there are 11 geological features with IAU-approved Thai names, which are located on Venus and Mars[7]

### Venus

[edit]

See also: List of coronae on Venus

Feature | Type | Coordinates | Named after | Ref

|
|
|
|

Dhorani | Corona | 8°00′S 243°00′E﻿ / ﻿8.0°S 243.0°E﻿ / -8.0; 243.0﻿ (Dhorani) | Phra Mae Thorani, the Thai earth goddess | [8]
Phra Naret | Corona | 66°36′S 209°36′E﻿ / ﻿66.6°S 209.6°E﻿ / -66.6; 209.6﻿ (Phra Naret) | King Naresuan, although the IAU refers to a goddess of fertility | [9]

### Mars

[edit]

See also: List of craters on Mars

Feature | Type | Coordinates | Named after | Ref

|
|
|
|

Chatturat | Crater | 35°23′N 265°04′E﻿ / ﻿35.38°N 265.06°E﻿ / 35.38; 265.06﻿ (Chatturat) | Chatturat District, Chaiyaphum | [10] l
Dao | Vallis | 37°37′S 88°53′E﻿ / ﻿37.61°S 88.89°E﻿ / -37.61; 88.89﻿ (Dao) | Dao, the Thai word for "star" or "planet" | [11]
Kantang | Crater | 24°26′S 342°25′E﻿ / ﻿24.44°S 342.42°E﻿ / -24.44; 342.42﻿ (Kantang) | Kantang District, Trang | [12]
Nan | Crater | 26°41′S 340°04′E﻿ / ﻿26.69°S 340.06°E﻿ / -26.69; 340.06﻿ (Nan) | Nan Province | [13]
Pai | Crater | 41°06′S 37°36′E﻿ / ﻿41.10°S 37.60°E﻿ / -41.10; 37.60﻿ (Pai) | Pai District, Mae Hong Son | [14]
Phon | Crater | 15°32′N 102°47′E﻿ / ﻿15.53°N 102.79°E﻿ / 15.53; 102.79﻿ (Phon) | Phon District, Khon Kaen | [15]
Tak | Crater | 26°01′S 331°21′E﻿ / ﻿26.02°S 331.35°E﻿ / -26.02; 331.35﻿ (Tak) | Tak Province | [16]
Thom | Crater | 41°07′S 92°21′E﻿ / ﻿41.11°S 92.35°E﻿ / -41.11; 92.35﻿ (Thom) | Na Thom District, Nakhon Phanom (unclear?) | [17]
Yala | Crater | 17°22′N 321°25′E﻿ / ﻿17.37°N 321.42°E﻿ / 17.37; 321.42﻿ (Yala) | Yala Province | [18]

## Asteroids

[edit]

See also: List of minor planets

As of February 2024, there are 19 asteroids named after Thai people and places, all of which (except Kridsadaporn) are located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter

Near-Earth obj. |  MBA (inner) |  MBA (outer) |  Centaur

|
|
|

Mars-crosser |  MBA (middle) |  Jupiter trojan |  Trans-Neptunian obj.
Unclassified |  |  |
|  |  |

back to top

Named minor planet  | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref * Catalog

|
|
|

6125 Singto | 1989 CN | Singto Pukahuta (1915–2007) was a prominent Thai astronomy educator and author. He was a founder and Director of the Bangkok Planetarium, and president of the Thai Astronomical Society. One of his books, Star Tales, was included in the List of 100 Good Books that Thai Children and Young Adults Should Read | [19] * 6125
7604 Kridsadaporn | 1995 QY2 | Kridsadaporn "San" Ritsmitchai (1964–2004) was born in Songhkla, Thailand. She and her husband Martin Callaway both lived and worked at Siding Spring Observatory. San is remembered in Coonabarabran for her caring nature and community work. She died in a car accident. | [20] * 7604
13957 NARIT | 1991 AG2 | The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) was established in 2004 to commemorate the life and work of King Mongkut the "Father of Thai Science" | [21] * 13957
21464 Chinaroonchai | 1998 HH88 | Tanongsak Chinaroonchai, Thai finalist in the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) † | [22] * 21464
21540 Itthipanyanan | 1998 QE11 | Suksun Itthipanyanan, Thai finalist in the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) † | [23] * 21540
21632 Suwanasri | 1999 NR11 | Krongrath Suwanasri, Thai finalist in the 2006 Intel ISEF | [24] * 21632
23308 Niyomsatian | 2001 AS21 | Korawich Niyomsatian, Thai winner of the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) Award recipient | [25] * 23308
23310 Siriwon | 2001 AA25 | Natnaree Siriwon, Thai winner of the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) Award recipient | [26] * 23310
23313 Supokaivanich | 2001 AC42 | Nathaphon Supokaivanich, Thai winner of the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) Award recipient | [27] * 23313
28418 Pornwasu | 1999 VQ54 | Pornwasu Pongtheerawan (born 1994) was awarded best of category and first place in the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for his environmental management team project. | [28] * 28418
28419 Tanpitcha | 1999 VA67 | Tanpitcha Phongchaipaiboon (born 1993) was awarded best of category and first place in the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her environmental management team project. | [29] * 28419
28425 Sungkanit | 1999 XL24 | Arada Sungkanit (born 1994) was awarded best of category and first place in the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her environmental management team project. | [30] * 28425
31938 Nattapong | 2000 GL99 | Nattapong Chueasiritaworn (born 2000) was awarded best of category award and first place in the 2015 Intel ISEF for his animal sciences team project. He also received the European Union Contest for Young Scientists Award. | [31] * 31938
31939 Thananon | 2000 GC101 | Thananon Hiranwanichchakorn (born 1998) was awarded best of category award and first place in the 2015 Intel ISEF for his animal sciences team project. He also received the European Union Contest for Young Scientists Award. | [32] * 31939
31940 Sutthiluk | 2000 GQ104 | Sutthiluk Rakdee (born 1999) was awarded best of category award and first place in the 2015 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her animal sciences team project. | [33] * 31940
33536 Charpugdee | 1999 HU9 | Runglawan Charpugdee (born 1998) was awarded second place in the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her animal sciences team project. She attends the Damrongratsongkroh School, Chiang Rai, Thailand. | [34] * 33536
33537 Doungnga | 1999 HJ10 | Charuntorn Doungnga (born 1998) was awarded second place in the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her animal sciences team project. She attends the Damrongratsongkroh School, Chiang Rai, Thailand. | [35] * 33537
45692 Poshyachinda | 2000 EJ148 | Dr. Saran Poshyachinda (born 1964) is the executive director of NARIT. Encouraging public interest in astronomy, he was crucial in the construction of the Thai National Observatory, regional observatories for the public throughout Thailand and a 40-m radio telescope. | [36] * 45692
151834 Mongkut | 2003 FB122 | King Mongkut (or Rama IV, 1804–1868) was the monarch of Siam from 1851–1868. He embraced Western innovations and initiated the modernization of Siam, both in technology and culture, earning him the nickname "The Father of Science and Technology". | [37] * 151834

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Nitiyanant, Pisit; Komonjinda, Siramas (19 November 2017). "Naming astronomical objects in Thailand". Pleiades, the IOAA 2017 Newsletter. Vol. 7\. pp. 4–5. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
2. ^ "2015 Approved Names – NameExoWorlds". nameexoworlds.iau.org. International Astronomical Union. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
3. ^ "2019 Approved Names – NameExoWorlds". nameexoworlds.iau.org. International Astronomical Union. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
4. ^ "2022 Approved Names – NameExoWorlds". nameexoworlds.iau.org. International Astronomical Union. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
5. ^ "Chalawan, Taphao Thong, Taphao Kaew -- First Thai Exoworld Names". thaiastro.nectec.or.th. Thai Astronomical Society. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
6. ^ Thaitrakulpanich, Asaree (4 November 2019). "River of Stars: Exoplanet Named After Thai 'Chao Phraya' River". Khaosod English. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
7. ^ เอื้อชูเกียรติ, วิษณุ (3 March 2012). "อำเภอกันตัง, ดาวอังคาร". thaiastro.nectec.or.th (in Thai). The Thai Astronomical Society. Retrieved 29 April 2020. Original published in "อำเภอกันตัง, ดาวอังคาร". Thang Chang Phuak. July 2003.
8. ^ "Dhorani Corona – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
9. ^ "Phra Naret Corona – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
10. ^ "Chatturat – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
11. ^ "Dao Vallis – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
12. ^ "Kantang – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
13. ^ "Nan – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
14. ^ "Pai – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
15. ^ "Phon – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
16. ^ "Tak – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
17. ^ "Thom – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
18. ^ "Yala – Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
19. ^ "6125 Singto (1989 CN) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
20. ^ "7604 Kridsadaporn (1995 QY2) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
21. ^ "13957 NARIT (1991 AG2) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
22. ^ "21464 Chinaroonchai (1998 HH88) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
23. ^ "21540 Ithhipanyanan (1998 QE11) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
24. ^ "21632 Suwanasri (1999 NR11) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
25. ^ "23308 Niyomsatian (2001 AS21) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
26. ^ "23310 Siriwon (2001 AA25) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
27. ^ "23313 Supokaivanich (2001 AC42) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
28. ^ "28418 Pornwasu (1999 VQ54) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
29. ^ "28419 Tanpitcha (1999 VA67) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
30. ^ "28425 Sungkanit (1999 XL24) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
31. ^ "31938 Nattapong (2000 GL99) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
32. ^ "31939 Thananon (2000 GC101) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
33. ^ "31940 Sutthiluk (2000 GQ104) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
34. ^ "33536 Charpugdee (1999 HU9) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
35. ^ "33537 Doungnga (1999 HJ10) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
36. ^ "45692 Poshyachinda (2000 EJ148) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
37. ^ "151834 Mongkut (2003 FB123) – JPL Small-Body Database Browser". ssd.jpl.nasa.gov. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved February 28, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* JPL Solar System Dynamics
* Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
* IAU NameExoWorlds

* v
* t
* e

Names in space

Nationalities|

* Bulgarian
* Czech
* Italian
* Hungarian
* Latvian
* Polish
* Romanian
* Serbian
* Russian
* Chinese
* Filipino
* Japanese
* Thai
* Turkish
* Uruguay

Other cultures|

* Arabic and Islamic
* Jesuit

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template