[meteorite-list] Name the new Canadian fall

[Jeff Grossman]

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