I just found out a problem with the TNO (2004 MU8). 2004 MU8, it will change to 2004μ8, is there any way to prevent this and keep it as MU instead of μ? 

http://minorplanetcenter.net/db_search/ ... d=2004+MU8
 

I think currently the only solution is to write '2004 Mu8'.

I think currently the only solution is to write '2004 Mu8'.

Thanks, I will try that. 2005 NU125 also has similar problem.

It did work on both of them. 

(EDIT: There was also same problem with Jupiter Trojan 1998 MU31)

I did also find something weird with asteroid Ara. It displays as Ara/(849) Arae for some reason. 

The same reason SpaceEngine interpreter is changing Greek letters abbreviations for asteroid designations (expect the same issue with PI), it's​ changing Ara in the genitive form of the identical constellation name, as if it's a star designation.
In this case, it could change also an hypothetical asteroid named Gem in <designated number> Geminorum

To fix this problem, maybe allow Greek letter abbreviations in star catalogs only? Or add a special command to the catalog file, which enable Greek abbreviations parsing? Or change them to a BB-code format: [MU], but then all star catalogs should be updated.

Perhaps only enable Greek abbreviations parsing, if the letters are at the beginning of a name.
When the letters appear within a name, they remain as they are.

Are you sure this is only the case where Greek letters are used (in the beginning of name)?

I don't know exactly. In any case, they usually appear at the beginning of star names.
But maybe it is really better to use BB code format.

I think the better way is change the naming conventions - add support of the Wiki's BB-codes to object names:

2014 MU₆₉ α¹ Capricorni
This gives great possibilities, you even can use coloration and font size change. All catalogs could be quickly converted by replace all command in a text editor (just need to be sure it will not convert asteroid names to Greek letters).

Also, a BB-code for slash / could be provided, to make naming more clear:

S/2015 (136472) 1

Also, a BB-code for slash / could be provided, to make naming more clear:

S/2015 (136472) 1

Code: Select all

S[SLASH]2015 (136472) 1

What about a form like: it seems to me much cleaner, is it feasible?

How will this work in the search window?
Will I be able to search for '2014 MU69', 'ALF1 Cap' or 'S/2015 (136472) 1'?

Ah I did comment on the Greek letters problem on another thread before I realized this thread had gained so many comments. Thank you all for finding this thread.

So you did discuss about the Greek letters and had some solutions, but what about the minor planet Ara?

As it is not a star designation, could that problem be fixed easily? About using the "/" in names of objects, my opinion is that the symbol should not be the same there than the one that separates alternate names of same object from one another. What is your opinion? Could the separation symbol be changed? For example Ara / (849) Ara -----> Ara | (849) Ara.

Or do you think / is clear enough in both cases?  As in moon and comet names there is not a space between the "/" and other symbols, unlike when it separates alternate names.

Now when I have thought it more would it be possible to make the slash symbol that separates the alternate names of an object be made to look a little bit different to the slash symbol included in satellite and comet names?