Hi Ballaratdragons & All,
I can see where you are coming from Ballaratdragons.
I probably didn't make it quite clear enough but the big problem for me is the idea of "inventing" a name. If an object both really deserves one and also really needs one it will happen all by itself. No midwife is needed I think.
By all means keep the names we have (well some of them). Many have important historical value -- for instance M81 which is known as "Bode's Nebula", or ones of ancient standing like Praesepe (M44) -- both of which are inextricably mixed with astronomical history and folklore.
Actually, come to think of it, there is one popular name I am particularly fond of "Blaxendell's Nebula" -- which is probably the only "non-existent object" with a common/popular name. Believe it or not, it is true!.
It is occasionally (humorously) referred to by those in the know as "Blaxendell's unphotographable nebula". It is (allegedly) quite close in the sky to the beautiful golbular cluster M2. There are several reports of it being observed visually, but take a photo and -- no nebula. It is in the NGC as NGC 7088. See the entry at the NGC/IC page:
http://www.ngcic.org/pubdb.htm
I get a giggle every time I think of it.
Many people refer to these sorts of names as "common names" -- and a lot aren't common at all. Not for one solitary instant do I accuse AJ of this -- he has a very high ethic, but there are not a few individuals worldwide who enjoy the sport of inventing a name for a previously unnamed object and then promote it with the aim of promoting themselves -- tacky! Then later there are the petty "motherhood" arguments about
:
"I called it that first!"
"No it was me, me, me !!"
etc etc
"Popular names" in themselves are not a real problem -- I would personally would much prefer people to also cite a catalog number alongside the name -- so we can know exactly which pinwheel galaxy they are talking about, have seen, have photographed etc.
And, _no_ culture specific names for me thanks!
Better still, here's a brainwave. Maybe the IAU ought take over the rights to license these popular names and start selling them to the rich and famous to raise money for astronomical research!
We could have the "Rupert Murdoch Nebula" or the "Trump Galaxy"
I wonder what pair of objects Pamela Anderson might be interested in?
Les D