Ceres Connection
Catalog organization: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
What Is Ceres Connection?
Ceres Connection is MIT Lincoln Laboratory's educational recognition program for naming minor planets discovered by its LINEAR asteroid survey. Under International Astronomical Union rules, the discoverer may propose a name; Lincoln Laboratory uses naming rights to honor outstanding middle- and high-school science students and teachers identified through Society for Science's national and international science fairs. The IAU must approve the proposed name. The current Laboratory page says the program acknowledges about 250 people per year and has honored thousands since 2001.
This is not a direct application, course, internship, virtual activity, or public naming contest. A student does not submit an asteroid name to Lincoln Laboratory. Recognition depends on performing at a qualifying Society for Science competition, being identified under the current partner criteria, the Laboratory having an eligible LINEAR discovery and naming right, and IAU approval. The official page does not publish the exact qualifying competitions or award tiers, an annual roster, nomination form, deadline, fee, certificate, citation package, notification schedule, naming timeline, or appeals process.
Ceres Connection Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Format | Online |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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